• Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!

  • Microsoft MSN, Live, Hotmail, Outlook email users may not be receiving emails. We are working to resolve this issue. Please add support@steelsoldiers.com to your trusted contacts.

 

M1008 - operation w/o instrument cluster? Is this possible?

MaximumBob

New member
26
0
0
Just got my M1008 yesterday - a little rougher than I expected. I knew (from GL pictures and description that the instrument panel was missing), but I didn't know (because it looks like it happened after the the picture) was that it was moved with a big forklift - from the side! Ruined the rear driveshaft and caused some body damage!

At any rate, the vehicle is missing its instrument cluster - there is a multi-pin connector that looks like its supposed to plug into the back of the gauge unit so I plan on isolating that so nothing shorts out against it. And, I assume that the speedo cable is somewhere inside the dash so I'll make sure that its not going to tangle up with anything.

The big question: Can anyone think of a reason why the the missing instrument panel would prevent the vehicle from running?

Also, any suggestions regarding locating an insturment panel would be appreciate also!

I've got the valance (the plastic trim), but not of the "guts".

Thanks for any suggestions - quite fun to have the new toy at home.

Needs:

Drive shaft repair - there's a shop in town that will do it for around $120.

New / Rebuild on the alternator(s) - first one I checked only puts out 11.7 volts.

Windshield - any one with experience replacing one of these? JC Whitney sells the gasket, the glass is available online - including the adhesive - doesn't look that difficult, but I have yet to find a good description of the process and any special hints.

Sorry to digress!

Thanks in advance,

MaximumBob

Jacksonville, FL
 

mangus580

New member
6,010
282
0
Location
Western NY
RE: M1008 - operation w/o instrument cluster? Is this possi

You might find, that without the Gen lights... it might not charge the batteries.
 

AJMBLAZER

New member
2,688
7
0
Location
Paducah, KY
RE: M1008 - operation w/o instrument cluster? Is this possi

Check with your insurance company. My wife's last insurance company before we got married did one free windshield a year. Can't hurt but to ask.

Check eBay for the clusters. You have an opportunity here to upgrade from the "el cheapo" dash that the government chose to something with more than two gauges and a bunch of idiot lights. I just spent 30 minutes looking for it without success but there's at least one place on there that sells 73-87 GM parts off of scrapped trucks. I was just on their site the other day and must have forgotten to save the eBay address. At any rate there's TONS of 73-87 compatible dashes and gauges on there.
Also check over on www.ColoradoK5.com's forums. Lots of guys there with parts vehicles or going to better gauge setups.

There's even a guy on there now selling his custom gauge panel that uses aftermarket gauges and includes a tach...what a time to be unemployed... :(
 

ultim8gamr

New member
162
0
0
Location
Napa Valley, CA
Re: M1008 - operation w/o instrument cluster? Is this possi

MaximumBob said:
Needs:
Windshield - any one with experience replacing one of these? JC Whitney sells the gasket, the glass is available online - including the adhesive - doesn't look that difficult, but I have yet to find a good description of the process and any special hints.
the windshield on my truck does not have any caulk or anything to keep water out, if i push the edge over, i can push the glass forward out from the truck. this isnt a military thing right? i'm either gonna buy some windo caulk and seal it myself or bring it in to a shop and have them do it so there is no chance of a leak. But in the mean time i just keep wondering what the previous owners did. i even found all the wiring/splicing for a trailer brake setup.
John
 

ojsdna744

Member
297
0
16
Location
Lapeer/Michigan
I believe it will run just fine without the cluster.....I just changed mine out to a new cluster and ran it in the garage without it. (never rolled down the road) Give it a crank and roll out!
 

doghead

4 Star General /Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Steel Soldiers Supporter
26,247
1,166
113
Location
NY
If you have not replaced a windshield before, i suggest you call in a mobile glass specialist. They are not that expensive. BTW, I just bought a blem windshield for my 77 gmc from a local auto glass company.( the blem was that the laminated antenna had a slight droop in one area) It was only $36 delivered! My cousin used to install auto-glass so I had him install it and a new rubber seal. I think the seal was around $15. For your truck application there is no need to use sealant or caulks to install the windshield correctly.
 
I believe it will run just fine without the cluster.....I just changed mine out to a new cluster and ran it in the garage without it. (never rolled down the road) Give it a crank and roll out!

I was missing some of the bulb holders in my cluster so I had everything pulled out before I ran to the store. I cranked it up and everything ran fine, headlights worked fine, didn't check the turn signals. I also took the time while I had it apart to powder coat the metal frame flat black under the clear plastic cover and sprayed the plastic with the chrome plastic spray paint. It looks great, I decided to order the LEDs tonight with the permanent base. I'll let you know what they look like when they come in. Thanks to everyone on this site for all your comments and input.
 

cucv1833

Member
533
4
18
Location
Lake Charles, LA
when i bought my truck from a freind it had NO INSTRUMEMT CLUSTER just the dash bezel with some aftermarket gauges it ran fine for a week. then i got one on Ebay for $50 just my2cents
 

transman

Member
102
0
16
Location
mildred Pa.
I'ddouble check that alternator before jumping at a replacement. theynormally need the cluster indicator lights to energize. You can take a jumper wire from the pos battery post(12 volt) and momentarily touch the brown wire in the alt connector to energize the system to check voltage.
 

popacom

Member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
564
9
18
Location
winchester,ky
I have an extra cluster that I will part with cheap if you have problems locating one, I on the other hand would not drive far without some warning devices,be it idiot lights or not some warning of an impending disaster beats none all to He(( LOL Just give me a PM if you end up requiring the cluster.

popacom / BILL in KY.:jumpin:
 

DokWatson

New member
359
0
0
Location
Wasilla, Alaska
the windshield on my truck does not have any caulk or anything to keep water out, if i push the edge over, i can push the glass forward out from the truck. this isnt a military thing right? i'm either gonna buy some windo caulk and seal it myself or bring it in to a shop and have them do it so there is no chance of a leak. But in the mean time i just keep wondering what the previous owners did. i even found all the wiring/splicing for a trailer brake setup.
John
The only hard part about installing a windshield is removing it, sounds like you can skip that step. Installing a windshield isn't as hard as it sounds. All you need is butyl tape and window caulk. Obviously doing it yourself won't be as pretty as a professionally installed window, but it can be done.
 
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website like our supporting vendors. Their ads help keep Steel Soldiers going. Please consider disabling your ad blockers for the site. Thanks!

I've Disabled AdBlock
No Thanks