I'm currently freshening up my #s matching '69 SS396 M20 X66 that I've had for many years. The car came from factory with no console gauges or tach, although that's the way she was born and it's kind of "endearing", I still wish it had more instrumentation. I've been running the car with top of the line (bolt on) stuff, but I'm thinking now's the time to take it off OR "upgrade" to "factory gauges"? I do have the POP and the cowl tag is still in place BUT I don't have any build sheet. I'm also in the process of getting a letter from the original owner (only owner before me) attesting to the car's originality, condition and among other things I also asked him to mention the options that came on the car if he remembers. SO MY QUESTIONS are: 1. If the original owner doesn't mention it and I don't have the build sheet, is there anyway to know how she came (it is base 711 interior)? 2. Should I care, is it ok to do (value etc)? 3. Are there OEM gauges, console pcs even available (cost not a factor) to make a seamless factory caliber changeover? 4. What else is involved (IE harness etc)? 5. If yes do I do clock as well? Opinions are very welcome! Thx guys… Brian

Hi Brian,
I would find a Nice Original Set of Console Gauges, with the Console and an Original Tachometer and Clock. It will cost more money, but your car sounds too original and too nice to install reproduction parts. What you are going to have to do once you locate your gauges is order new wiring from American Autowire 800 482 WIRE http://www.americanautowire.com/
You will need to order the following harnesses for a console gauge car:
Front Light Harness
Engine Harness
Console Harness
Dash Harness

You can send them your Original Dash Harness and they will convert it for you. It will save you some money.

I feel that adding original parts will only add value to the car. All the items are Bolt On and you will not be hurting anything. If you need photos or info, I have a Factory Gauge Setup in my 68. As far as the base 711 Interior, you could still order a Console and Factory Gauges. The 711 only pertains to the Color of the Seats, Door panels, Carpet, Dashpad, etc and whether it was a Standard, Deluxe or Houndstooth Interior. Any Interior could be ordered with a console.

Hope this helps.
Tory

Thanks Tori! It actually does have the console, just not the console gauges. I guess the whole thing has to be swapped? I've already bought a rear light harness from AA, they were great! Any suggestions for suppliers of "REAL" gauges and console?

Thanks Tori! It actually does have the consule, just not the consule gauges. I guess the whole thing has to be swapped? I've already bought a rear light harness from AA, they were great! Any suggestions for suppliers of "REAL" gauges and consule?
Keep checking ebay and Camaros.net for original gauges. Post a Wanted Ad here as well. There was a 69 Tach on Camaros.net recently. The Console is the same. If you remove the console from the car and remove the Woodgrain Piece in front of the shifter, there is the cavity for the gauges. I strongly recommend that you use American Autowire. First of all, you will save money because they supply places like National Parts Depot and Rick's. You will be cutting out the middle man. Also, their Tech Department is second to none.

Thanks again! Re the tach; do you know off hand what the max range and red line should show on a 396/325 (L35)? Noted re the console, I'll check it out next time I'm with the car. And totally agree with Am. Autowire (my "AA" was a shortcut - sorry). I wouldn't use anyone else from what I've read here AND my personal experience.

Hi Brian,
I believe the redline is 5500. I will look it up later. Here is the link to the ad http://www.camaros.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=19405&cat=500
Tory