1998 Cluster/Dash Help!
1998 Cluster/Dash Help! What is exactly different about the 1998 Trans Am dash/clusters from the other years? I am looking at buying overlays and WS6Store only has 1999 and up. At WS6Store, they said that it will cover warning lights, but the gauges don't cover any lights from what I can tell in pictures?
Will the 1999-2002 ones work on a 1998? I would just buy the 1998 ones from MacEwen, but I've heard HORROR stories about their service...
Will the 1999-2002 ones work on a 1998? I would just buy the 1998 ones from MacEwen, but I've heard HORROR stories about their service...
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
The only difference is the location of the SES light. In 1998 it was with all of the other indicator lights on the right side. In 1999-2002 is was moved to the RPM gauge. The only difference on the overlays is that the 1999-2002 overlays have a clear SES lettering for the light to shine through, whereas the 1998 is just solid in that location on the RPM gauge. Basically, the 1999-2002 will work for the 1998, but the 1998 will not work for the 1999-2002 because there would be no way to see the SES. Anyway, I would talk to WS6 store about having them order a set of 1998's and ship from Macewen to your house. They no longer carry 1998's for Trans am or Camaros because they were not making money from them. If you do decide to use the 1999-2002, you will just see the SES in clear lettering in the day (not very noticable) and nothing at night.
Actually, there's more of a difference than you think. The pins on the back are situated differently and some of the lights are in different places. Will it fit? Yes. Will it work right? No.
My old 98 Camaro's cluster went out, and a friend had an extra 2000 cluster with the factory guages/overlays out of a TA. If I remember correctly, the SES light and the high beam indicators are swapped with each other. When the high beams are on, the SES light illuminates and vice versa. Clearly this would not work, for me at least. So I swapped the overlay's from the Camaro and put it on the 2000 cluster. It worked, but not how I wanted it to. Then I found a 98 cluster on ebay. Don't quote me on any of this, it's been over 2 years since I've messed with it.
Please do not be misinformed.
I'm very sorry guys, but, there are a ton of other minute differences which prevent proper illumination and accuracy between +1997(digital odo)-1998 kits and 1999-2002 kits. The ones you had mentioned are the obvious ones.
Makes you think about those kits that claim to fit 1997-2002, huh!? Not possible, at least, not accurately. There is even an alternate fuel overlay for +1997-1998 Z28's included in our kits.
We have different part numbers for a reason, and it's not for posterity. If only it were that easy.
-Ryan
I'm very sorry guys, but, there are a ton of other minute differences which prevent proper illumination and accuracy between +1997(digital odo)-1998 kits and 1999-2002 kits. The ones you had mentioned are the obvious ones.
Makes you think about those kits that claim to fit 1997-2002, huh!? Not possible, at least, not accurately. There is even an alternate fuel overlay for +1997-1998 Z28's included in our kits.
We have different part numbers for a reason, and it's not for posterity. If only it were that easy.
-Ryan
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I ordered the 1998 overlays from you (MacEwen) today at 12:30 and got a shipment notification less than an hour later. EXCELLENT SERVICE and I cannot wait for them to arrive 
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My CS and PR has been lacking for the last 9 mos. However, major changes have been made to get back to where were. Enjoy!
My CS and PR has been lacking for the last 9 mos. However, major changes have been made to get back to where were. Enjoy!
