Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

So I have decided that I need to add a tach to my dash(this is in addition to the long list of mods I am already doing!)

I thought about locating a factory tach for my dash but want to do something unique. To be honest, I don't need the tach front and center as I don't need to look at it every 5 seconds(it's not a race car) but I do want to be able to see what I am turning for rpm's when highway driving, etc. I took a look at my dash and decided I can lose the clock and fit a 2 1/16 tach in the hole. I found a gauge that has a very similar numbering on the face. The real trick will be to cut up the gauge once I get it so I can remove the bezel and glass and utilize the factory lighting to light the face of the dial. Here is my current dash(with the clock hanging out) and the gauge I am looking to purchase.

What have you guys done for custom tach mods?

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...y/0f283f87.png

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...y/d3c3af5a.png
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Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

do a search for the Camaro tach mod.

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

It would be easier to grind out the inside of the plastic gauge housing, and using PVC tubing cut and angle it to hold the gauge, and set it at the same depth and angle as the factory. Then epoxy the PVC to the plastic housing. Assemble, and enjoy. All you should need is a dremel, epoxy, and PVC. Maybe a strip of aluminum to make a new clamp to hold the gauge in. Something in a Z shape to go out the back of the PVC and clamp the gauge to the back plastic housing. So the PVC tube is sandwiched.

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

mine.. 2nd - 3rd gear pull

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

We talked to the Dakota Digital folks this weekend at Goodguy's, and they will have their new analog style digital gauges out by the 4th quarter of this year. Their gauges were awesome. I just restored a tach cluster for my truck, and I am seriously thinking about pulling it out for one of their clusters after they come out. Everything is integrated, suck as check engine lights, turn signals, etc. Pricing is going to be in the $800 range, but an autometer swap isn't a whole lot cheaper.

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

Good luck with that. I have been hearing "in a few weeks" for a LONG time.

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

Here's what I did with mine. Found an older cluster on eBay that had a tach unit with a fuel gauge built in. It was out of an old 2-1/2 ton version that had a diesel. I sent it to Red Line Gauge Works to be re-done - they re-did the face & internals to match my LS motor. Really liked the fuel gauge on the tach because it allowed me to keep the clock in it's usual spot on the cluster.

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

And the hunt begins!!!!!!
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Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

They did a real sweet job on the cluster My4by2... I just sent them an email... Im in the process of fitting a Mercury Cougar 7000 rpm tach in the Fuel gauge location.
So far Ive:
Bench tested the tach and it works fine
Removed the fuel gauge and transfered it to a spare oil psi gauge face
Secured the tach guts to the Fuel gauge face
Tomarrow I will trim the Cougars tach face plate to fit inside the Fuel gauge face...

I made in template in Autocad so I can make a nice cut so just incase the gauge resto service costs too much... I'll take a photo and add my project to the thread tomarrow.
clint

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

502ss, good luck with that, im curious to see the outcome...

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

There will be pictures! Gauge is ordered, should be here in 2 days and then the fun begins!
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Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

Heres what I have going on...

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1...chretrofit.jpg

The face of the gauge isnt going to match, obviously, but the OE needle fits the gauge just fine... it just doesnt reach the numbers so I just left it all Cougar parts. I called RedLine Gauges and thats a pricey option that Im not going to do... If I were to invest that kind of money, I would just invest in the CNC work to get the Dodge gauges mounted. Anyway, I got the tach calibrated to the original settings so I just need to scope out the factory tach and start changing the resolution to get the tach to operate correctly.
clint

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

Yeah, Red Line isn't the cheapest way to go for sure.... It was the only way to get exactly what I wanted though so I took it. Like the tach you have though!

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

What do I need to get the factory tach to work with cruise control?

Re: Tach dash mods(something other then a factory tach)
 

Tach mod done and all LED light installed! Now I can actually see the gauges at night! :)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...y/b7f9d192.png
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