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I’m planning to start the frame/running gear swap with my 53 3100 onto a 1995 s10(4.3 v6)I’ve planned out most of it but not so much for the gauges, I would like to use the original gauges but not sure if that’s possible. I could go the aftermarket route and spend quite a bit but would rather use the original as they look better in my opinion but need some help understanding how to do that if it’s possible. Any help or suggestions on where to look would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

The gauge rundown is probably: the ammeter if you have the 0 to 60 amp one will be okay, the temp gauge could either be stock (we could call it mechanical) or a conversion to electric, the temp gauge...same thing, either stock or adapted. Your fuel gauge will be a problem. If you're going with the 95 S10, you'll have fuel injection, a different gas tank and a completely different sender. Your original gas gauge wanted variable resistance between 0 and 30 ohms. The S10 will probably have a sender that provides 40 to 250 ohms, so it won't combine with your old gauge. However...if you look in the interiors section, you'll see a decal template at the top of the page. I provided that for free use a few years ago and with it and some waterslide decal paper and a color laser (or inkjet if you coat the printed decal with clear enamel, urethane or such) you can adapt all sort of gauges and make them look original. And...I've even made a GPS speedometer with a face plate that mimics the original (just for my own use at this point...need to test it further). That will let you have a speedometer that looks pretty original.

The oil pressure gauge would just require a piece or two of brass adapters from your local hardware store.

The gas gauge wouldn't operate with the S-10's sending unit. You MIGHT be able to find a 0 ohm empty, 30 ohm full adjustable sending unit to fit the S-10 tank. Someone makes an electronic device that interprets among the different gas gauge systems. Probably an easier, but more expensive, fix.

The ammeter COULD be spliced into the S-10 electrical system, but changing the ammeter to a voltmeter would probably be easier and less likely to cause a fire under your dashboard. Voltmeters to match your gauge set are available in the aftermarket.

The water temp gauge is the easiest and the hardest to use. Easy because all you have to do is get it into the coolant somewhere near, and on the engine side of, the thermostat. Hard because you'll need to have a deep enough hole to bury it in.

Thank you both for your input. Sounds like temp, amp meter and oil pressure should be relatively straight forward. Couple options to look into for fuel sender as the ohms are different. Is there any other option for speedo? It’s a 4l60e trans and think it’s gear driven, couldn’t that be adapted? I’m guessing no kits out there but I’d think someone has figured it out.

Thank you again!

For my conversion, I also want to maintain the original look. My gauges won’t be functional. I found a device that plugs into the s10 OBD II port and displays all data in real-time. I think some even display fuel data. App based with blue tooth is available, so I can use my iphone as the display. With the steel dash, I can mount my phone just about anywhere with the magnetic phone mount. Very cost effective in comparison and a lot easier.

If it is a 4L60e it has a VSS. If it does have a gear driven speedo output then it is a 700-R4.

You can get a converter box to go from either to the other.

If you want to come over sometime, I can make you a set of stencils or faces. I have the equipment for that.

Sounds like a plan, thank you!!

Here is a pic of an S10-V8 with a factory stock temp gauge fitting in rear of V8 manifold. There is room for the mechanical temp bulb and the capillary tube is long enough to reach. 4.3 is the same.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/rzYRqLtX/S10-054.jpg[/img]

Jon G's guide for making your own faces is pretty applicable here. I had re-faced a bunch of electronic gauges for mine and they all worked and looked pretty decent and looked original.

That said I sprung for the Classic Instruments set for mine this year, they look original but all electronic and you can use a pulse generator or GPS pulse generator to run the speedometer.

I should add I'm running a 1994 4.3 TBI in mine (but original 1949 frame & suspension). I'm a big fan of those engines.

What are you doing for a fuel tank? Are you going to use the S10 one and build an adapter to use the stock filler location?

That is my plan, sounds like I’ll need to adapt a sender with the correct ohms. I’ll need to research that more as I get closer to it.

When I researched the 4.3 I will have to agree and think it will be dependable and have enough power to move down the road just fine.

Absolutely. Good power, good mileage and great parts availability. Strong engines. You can rework them for some pretty good power but if you’re going more for a daily driver they offer a lot as-is especially in the mid-90s.