Skip to main content

Touch of Z

2/3/18
There are tons of tutorials on how to install the Z28 cluster into an Impala dash.  Thankfully Dan purchased a tested cluster along with the harness adapter.  It is more or less plug-and-play.

After cutting the dash and fabricating brackets to hold it in place, it was just a matter of plugging it in.  I am sure I will have to make some adjustments once the rest of the dash is installed but for now it works great.


I think the hardest part of the swap is running the tachometer wire from the PCM to the cluster.  Since I'd dropped the drivers wheel well dozens of times in previous projects, I knew it would be so much easier dropped than cramming my hand into areas I couldn't see.



I ran the wire through the existing rubber grommet in the firewall.

This actually was a pretty easy thing to do given the wiring was already done for me.  The only real issues I found one of the bulbs was burned out.  No big deal...

In order for the oil pressure gauge reading properly, the correct oil pressure sending unit must get installed behind the intake.  A resistor hidden above the glove box needs to be removed as well.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Overhead Console Install

One of the "asks" was to install and wire in an overhead console.  I believe it was from an Astro Van and nothing about it fit the Impala.  I was quite surprised how long the install took but the finished product is really all that matters in the end. I first disassembled the console so I could paint it as well as figure out how to best install the darn thing. With the headliner out, I can form the base to conform to the Impala headliner.  I decided to use thin aluminum sheets and rivet them to the sides to fill the gaps. I then covered the base with material that matched the headliner. Painting everything the same matte black color as the rest of the car so it matches. Lastly the final assembly.  I as really happy with how it turned out thus far. I really hate cutting up a perfectly good headliner but this mod requires it.  Most people cut huge holes and also drill into the cross brace and use screws/hardware that can damage the roof if no...
Post a Comment
Read more

Center Console

The center console needed to get modified so it would work with the new B&M shifter.  If we had a '96 console, things would have been much easier.  Unfortunately they are very expensive so the '95 console was used.  The two cup holders were situated exactly where the shifter needed to be so out comes the power tools. After the console area was cut, I purchased a piece of ABS plastic and formed it using a heat gun to match the contours.  It then got cut to make room for the modified shifter bezel. The panel was then glued to the console using ABS adhesive.  Because the colors didn't quite match, the console was washed and prepared for some SEM plastic paint. I am really happy with the end result.  Not sure if I'd want to do it again because as simple as it seems, I had 12+ hours into the console.
1 comment
Read more

Odds & Ends

2/11/18 Before taking it for a drive, it must be road worthy.  Had a bunch of safety checks as well as verifying all the fluids are full. With several missing lug nuts, that wasn't working for me.  I torqued all the wheel nuts to the proper value and installed the 6 missing nuts with ones I had laying around. The break fluid was black as night.  With the help of my son, we flushed the brakes until the fluid was clean and no bubbles present. Dan suggested I look at the nuts and bolts holding the front suspension together.  I am glad I did because there was one loose nut that was missing the cotter pin (Dan remembered that one).  I also found one of the control arm bolts was loose. The power steering hoses were not being held in place like they should.  One of the hoses was making contact with the steering wheel when it was turned to the right.  Using the factory brackets, I adjusted them so they were out of the way. Dan specified...
Post a Comment
Read more