Dash Upgrade

[ss-truck]

I am new here and am in need of help in making a drastic dash conversion . I have a 78 Silverado and want to put a 96 dash in it . Is there any way to make all the instruments work ,ie; speedo , tach , temp ,oil , etc ? Any help will be appreciated . thanks , Mike

[Cadha13]

The dash on the trucks since the late eighties are controlled by digital components. On the 78 Chev. you'll need to install a computer command system to run the guages. Coolent temp sensor, digital oil pressure sensor, vehicle speed sensor. It would be worth it if you plan to install a fuel injection system also the dash is larger in the 96 truck than in the 78. It can be done but without a lot of installation of a lot of computer components. It would be easier to install a aftermarket kit has everything in it. I like the dash of the 78 trucks that have the guages package. But only seen one with a tach though.

[damoperator]

I saw on another forum where an escalade cluster of the same year is a plug and play upgrade.

[Ranger]

I don't think they made Escalades in 78.

[ScottyBoy]

Not sure about a 78, but I knew a guy when I lived in New Orleans who installed an entire 00 escalade dash and steering column, steering wheel, doors, seats, center console, basically the entire interior into a 1988 Chevy single cab truck. The entire dash worked perfectly, from the instrument panel to the light switches to the ac controls. Except he didnt hook up the air bags. He mounted playstation where the passenger side airbag would be.

[Nytemare]

I dont think the 78 would have the same dimensions or mounting points as an 88 Chevy, nor an 00 caddy.

 

But with enough fabricating, I'm sure its possible. I have seen a WS6 interior, engine and drive train in a 69 trans am.