85 442 gauge cluster into a 79 malibu??????

[bertscova]

Has anyone done this swap. I bought a 1985 442 for parts (complete car) and i like the instrument cluster in it. I would like to put it in my 1979 malibu, anyone done this swap any input would be great.

Ps im keeping the 8.5 373 posi rearend, drive shaft, crossmember and transmission. The rest will be open for discussion later this year.

 

[81Regal]

It's not a direct swap, you will need to build a custom gauge housing. Wiring is also in different on the back of the cluster compared to the Malibu.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

It's not a direct swap, you will need to build a custom gauge housing. Wiring is also in different on the back of the cluster compared to the Malibu.

or you need to swap in the entire dash board assembly and wiring.

 

[bertscova]

or you need to swap in the entire dash board assembly and wiring.

How much work would a complete dash swap be. It is the same color and in better shape than mine

 

[Longroof79]

I agree with Oldsmobile Joe. The best method of swapping the instrument cluster into your Malibu, would be to swap the entire dash. Being that you have the donor car at your disposal, it should make it a piece of cake. You'll have access to the under dash harness, components, etc.
You don't see many...or any Oldsmobile dashes installed in Chevys. It's definitely doable.
I think it would be unique.
If we can swap in Pontiac dashes into our Chevys, then why not an Olds dash.

 

[Boy1duh]

Does anyone know if a 442 floor shifter fit in a 87 ss

 

[bertscova]

Thanks for the input. Is definitely something to think about. Or i could just go this route. But the price tag is a little steep

 

[Longroof79]

Why not just fabricate your own dash panel and add your own aftermarket gauges? It would be less work than swapping dashes, but if your dash is roached out, I could see going with the 442 dash. That's the reason I went with the GP dash.
That carbon fiber piece is pretty cool, though.