Simco Classic Series Gauge Overlay/Bezel - 2004 GMC Sierra

I've fallen victim to it, and most likely, you've been suckered into it as well. You find a gauge overlay for $29.99 on the internet and it looks legit, only when you've ripped your dash apart and installed it, your gauges are no longer accurate, for instance when you're driving at 45 and your speedo reads 85 mph. Sound familiar? Gauge overlays are a quick way to freshen up your dash, but if the "upgrade" doesn't work, you've just wasted your money. We hate throwing our hard-earned cash down the drain, which is why we skeptically ordered a new gauge overlay and bezel from Simco Ltd for a 2004 GMC Sierra. Simco has new gauge overlays or entire cluster replacements for Chevy/GMC, Ford, and Dodge trucks, and having installed their full replacement clusters in other project trucks, we knew quality and accuracy were first-rate. Our concern was, how would a simple replacement overlay stack up? Read on to see how the install went.

Our project '04 Sierra was in desperate need of new gauges. We started things off by removing the plastic dash surround that simply pulled out from its retaining clips.
Our project '04 Sierra was in desperate need of new gauges. We started things off by remov
That gave us access to the four 7mm screws holding the gauge cluster in place.
With the cluster free of its fasteners, we removed the wiring harness connector from the back of it and set it on a workbench.
With the cluster free of its fasteners, we removed the wiring harness connector from the b

Using a small flat screwdriver, we lifted up the three clips on the top, two on the bottom, and pulled the front plastic shield off.
Using a small flat screwdriver, we lifted up the three clips on the top, two on the bottom
Simco included the necessary tool to pry up the factory needles. This was done with gentle pressure and patience—no need to rush this important step.
Simco included the necessary tool to pry up the factory needles. This was done with gentle
With the needles removed, the factory black overlay was lifted up and off of the cluster.

As you can see, the new Simco Classic Series gauge overlay and bezel is a factory Silverado SS-styled upgrade. White gauges and chrome rings should look awesome inside our project truck. Simco included everything needed to perform the install.
As you can see, the new Simco Classic Series gauge overlay and bezel is a factory Silverad
On went the new Simco white overlay. It was held down by the small factory pins.
After slipping the supplied Simco calibration template over the white overlay, we began the needle calibration process. Using the supplied tool as a pressure guide, we slipped the needle onto the stem at the "O" indicator.
After slipping the supplied Simco calibration template over the white overlay, we began th

Then, while gently prying up with the supplied tool, we turned the needles against the internal gear to reset the internal stop at the arrow on the template. This was done for each gauge until all of the gauges were recalibrated.
Then, while gently prying up with the supplied tool, we turned the needles against the int
With each gauge dialed in, we snapped on the new Simco bezel with chrome rings. Installation was the reverse of taking the factory unit out.
With each gauge dialed in, we snapped on the new Simco bezel with chrome rings. Installati
At night, the new Simco gauges used the factory GM lights to create a cool backlit appearance.
At night, the new Simco gauges used the factory GM lights to create a cool backlit appeara

FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
In an aftermarket world filled with cookie-cutter parts from China, being skeptical isn't a bad thing before you spend your money. However, we had to eat our words on this install, as the gauge overlay was simple to install, the instructions were spot-on, and the cluster fit perfectly. Best of all, the needles read accurately and the overall new look could be confused for an OE Silverado SS (only with nicer chrome rings). As a bonus, Simco included the specialty tools needed to make the install go even smoother and everything was packaged very well. Our only complaint was the nighttime backlighting. Our numbers weren't lit evenly and some areas were darker than others. Besides this one concern, this upgrade was money well spent.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Time Spent Working: 1 hour
Degree Of Difficulty: Beginner

Tools Needed:
7mm socket, 1/4-inch ratchet, 6-inch extension, small flat screwdriver

Parts Used:
Simco Classic Series gauge overlay/bezel 2028-701 $189.99