Building a 1999-6/2009 79 series cluster with tachometer and subtank from parts (1 Viewer)

[bottombracket]

Yeah, that’s a long thread title.

Finding an HZJ79 cluster with tach and subtanks for the old style metal dash, produced between 1999 and 6/2009, is getting really difficult.

So here’s how to build one from parts.

I started with a base cluster that I already owned.

I reused the:

Speedometer 83220-60841
Computer, total counter module (aka trip odometer 83293-60690

These were available new but I wanted to save some dough (for once).

I had to reuse 3 lenses:

Lens, meter, no. 1 83832-60E10
Lens, meter, no. 2 83832-6B360
Lens, meter, no. 4,83833-6B360

Because I could not dig them up anywhere.

I missed one part:

Plate, combination meter, no. 1 83811-6B360

that I am waiting on availability confirmation.

Everything else was procured new from @Japan4X4 and Partsouq.

 

[bottombracket]

The meter case itself is different, as it has mounting points for the 3 extra gauges.

The circuit trace is different, and parts like this make me appreciate Toyota so so so much.

Still being able to buy this stuff new is such a pleasure.

 

[bottombracket]

Messily higjlighted are the 3 meter lenses I had to reuse.

But look: even on the non-locker cluster…the locker icons are there. SWEEEEEEET!

Nerding out: wearing my 4.5X surgical loupes to weasel the fragile lenses and little plastic parts apart.

I think this is the most exciting thing to happen on my bedroom floor in years.

 

[bottombracket]

The turn signal lenses are available new

Now, this is actually exciting. The tachometer was rumored to be long discontued. Even Stedman said it was a goner and had an email from Toyota to confirm…but sometime between 2017 and 2021 they decided to reactivate.

 

[bottombracket]

Leyna is not impressed.

 

[bottombracket]

Hint: install the side gauges (subtank and temp) first. The tachometer overlay will be in the way if you get all excited and install the tach first.

The packaging is amazing.

Note: the gauges are assemblies and come with their own complement of screws.

 

[bottombracket]

Now: Partsouq is very helpful, but the 2002 HDJ79 cluster has a few discrepancies. It lists 7 screws to hold it all together. There are only 6 in the case, the gauge, and on the circuit trace. So it goes.

Note: the longer self tapping screw is 90076-00002 (left). By my count you will need 15.
The side gauges are attached on the back side by 90076-00001 (right), 6 each, included in the gauge assembly.

The whole thing is powered by the best screwdriver ever made, the Screwball. eBay search now, and buy one when you find it. It is the absolute best screwdriver I own. I collect these things.

 

[bottombracket]

A note on gauge faces:

There seems to be a decent source for speedometer mph gauge overlays: Lockwood International in the UK.

It looks like their part number C1690 is a match for the speedo. I’ll order and report back.

https://lockwoodinternational.co.uk/dials/fascias-mph-scale/toyota-dial-mph/

 

[bottombracket]

Getting close. Laying the circuit trace, I THINK this is a blind hole that should not get a screw. If anyone out there can confirm or deny, please let me know.

 

[bottombracket]

Annelise, age 9, photobombed the case front.

Nate remains unimpressed.

 

[bottombracket]

And that’s it.

I have all new bulbs waiting. I’ll post up when I actually install.

 

[bottombracket]

This thread seems to be powered by Pinthouse Brewing, at a rate of 3/4 IPA per cluster.

 

[African]

Nice Work

 

[bottombracket]

There are 4 different bulbs:

Turn signal and high beams get the big boys:
90010-06026 x3.

Fuel light gets 90010-06003. Bottom right on the back of cluster.

Odometer gets 90010-06044.

The others are all 83120-60020. You’ll need 19.

 

[bottombracket]

Done, pending one internal bracket.

 

[TonyP]

Nicely done.

I assume the original ODO numbers are stored on an EEPROM on 83293-60690?
If so, I wonder if you could de-solder (if it isn't socketed), put it on a reader/writer, pull the code in HEX and write it back to zero. It's probably encrypted or something though.

 

[bottombracket]

I’ve been wondering if I could reprogram or flash it… Or I could just buy a brand new one for 180 bucks.

 

[cruisermatt]

wow

 

[bottombracket]

Next steps:

The speedometer mph overlay (part C1690) arrived today from Lockwood International. It is very nicely constructed and was a perfect fit.

I popped the needle off with two plastic levers from a cheapo Amazon door trim kit. It made a loud enough SNAP to be butthole tightening.

I illuminated it from behind with a white LED light, and that was pretty rewarding.

 

[bottombracket]

The speedometer needle rest pin is the next battle.

Thanks to the big old brain of @ATL Cruiser I found a dedicated automotive instrument cluster repair shop here in Austin. I will ping them tomorrow and see if they have a replacement, and the right tools for the job.

Just putting the overlay over top of the existing kilometers per hour gauge face produces disappointing lighting results.

If the repair shop doesn’t have a good solution, I will either 3D print one (AKA convince @davegonz to print me one), or just glue a black painted finishing nail onto the overlay.