I recently acquired a gauge part from the 2000spec instrument cluster and as i execpted when i compared the new part with a part from a 90 model cluster there was a big difference with the mounting screws making replacment impossible. I was expecting this outcome and have always planned to swap the face plates over so i can use my original cluster if i needed to.

 

Now ive read a few threads about how different the 94+ cluster is compared to the 89 cluster. Ive been checking on Nissan fast (offical nissan spare parts program) and it seems nissan changed the cluster design in 92 (by what nissan fast is showing me) I can see the difference of the 2 clusters but what i want to know is, What needs to be done to convert my 89 model so a cluster from a 94 model can be installed plug and play so to speak. If its a matter of finding the correct wiring loom for the cluster plugs i should be able to find it but can i just alter the pin setup of the 89 model and match that with the copper tracks from the new cluster???

 

I just want to research as much as possible. I would consider getting an auto elect. to rewire the 89 loom to match but i dout its as easy as im hoping it to be.

I don't fancy your chances too highly. I have a similar 'challenge' but in reverse. I have a 1995 (series 4) with Jap clocks and have been trying to fit replacement but the earlier versions are TOTALLY different, both mechanically and electrically. I obtained wiring diagrams for both and its impossible to convert them due to many differences such as airbags etc.

 

I looked at many alternative ways to do the conversion but finally gave up.

I did something like Z32dave did about 6 months ago when i wanted to fit a series 2 cluster into a series 4 car so i could do the resistor mod to the speedo (the series 4 speedo doesn't have resistors) and fit some indiglo dials. I cut the physical mounting for the speed and rev counter out of the series 2 cluster and inserted them into the series 4 cluster. All the wires are labeled on the ribbon print on the back of the cluster so then it's a simple matter of running about 8 wires from the ends of the ribbon print onto the backs of the new gauges. It is possible but it is an absolute pig of a job and i would definitely think twice about doing it again.

 

Dave

Finally some answers, I agree its not a simple job and i think i remember your post about your attempt to add a older (90) cluster into your 95 model but could succeed. Atm im working on getting the white gauges first becuase im sure i can just transfer the face plates from one speedo to the next. But i was hoping to buy the complete cluster from the 2kspec and modify the wiring looms to match the circuitary at the back of the cluster. I dont intend to modify my existing cluster (89) but do a complete swop. I will try to get an auto elect. to help me but ill try and gather more parts and slowly. But could it be a matter of swapping the cluster wiring looms if i can obtain them.

Problem you're going to have with the speedo faces is that they're a different shape on the series 1/2 clusters compared to the later models. This means that all the mounting points are in different places and you can't get the old style faces to sit flush on the new style dials without cutting them. Fine on normal faces but you can't just start cutting into indiglo faces or you'll break 'em.

 

Other problem you're going to have is that your 2k spec cluster will probably be from a jap car so the speedo will show kph and not mph. You won't be able to change this with a resistor mod as the later dials don't have the same circuitry. You'll have to live with kph or fit a converter that will play silly buggers with you're steering and HICAS.

 

Lastly, when you get the 2k cluster make sure you get the electrical plugs for the back with it. They might look the same as the older type but 2 are different shapes and sizes and all the wiring is different.

 

Dave

Problem you're going to have with the speedo faces is that they're a different shape on the series 1/2 clusters compared to the later models. This means that all the mounting points are in different places and you can't get the old style faces to sit flush on the new style dials without cutting them. Fine on normal faces but you can't just start cutting into indiglo faces or you'll break 'em.

 

Other problem you're going to have is that your 2k spec cluster will probably be from a jap car so the speedo will show kph and not mph. You won't be able to change this with a resistor mod as the later dials don't have the same circuitry. You'll have to live with kph or fit a converter that will play silly buggers with you're steering and HICAS.

 

Lastly, when you get the 2k cluster make sure you get the electrical plugs for the back with it. They might look the same as the older type but 2 are different shapes and sizes and all the wiring is different.

 

Dave

 

Cheers thanx for the info. My car is a jap spec, as im from australia so the kph is standard over here. Now ive done a comparison of the 2 face plates and even though the 2k face is larger it still looks like it will fit in the same place as the original smaller face. Though i cant make a complete comparison as the circuitary on the new gauge made close up checking impossible. But as ive said this was a lost reesort plan after all avenues had been tried. Im hoping to find the part number for the looms for the cluster in nissan fast which should solve the problem with the different plugs.

 

But if i find any other information ill post it here.