installing a tach in the factory dash spot Q's

[logan6437]

ive seen some pics of someone that did it but there wasnt really any explaination so i was wondering if it was hard to do without destroying the cluster, i have a 1966 c10 with a 355/th350 to give you some idea of what im working with

[chevyrestoguy]

You won't destroy the cluster at all IF you are installing a factory-style tach. The cluster has a inner trim panel that already has the cutout for the tach, so you won't need to modify it at all. The blockoff plates that are in your current cluster merely get removed with the 4 attach fasteners, and the replacement tach bolts right in. Gotta love GM. You would never be that lucky on a Ford.

Now, if you're retrofitting a store-bought tach (like an Autometer or a Sun), then there's no telling how much modification you'll need to do. A lot of it all depends on how big it is, and how deep it is. If this is the way you plan to go, I would suggest going with a tach that's not too big, and install some other type of gauge in the cutout on the left side to balance it all out.

[logan6437]

yeah i dont work on or own a ford for that and many other reasons, well i almost wanted to go with an aftermarket tach just so it would read higher rpm because doesnt the factory tach only read up to 5K, and does the stock tach hook up to hei distributor?

[chevyrestoguy]

I called the Truck Shop in Orange, California and with their factory tach kit, it is not compatable with the HEI distributor.

Maybe there is a mod that can be done to convert it to an HEI? Maybe it's just the connector that plugs to the distributor? You would have to make damn sure that you won't fry the tach before trying that, though. It doesn't take much to fry electronics.

But even still, it only goes up to 5K. They are now selling the 67-72 tachs that go up to 8K, so maybe ones for the early trucks might be available eventually?

[HEI451]

Some largge cap coil in cap HEI's require a tachometer filter to operate correctly. Pontiac used these on 1975 and later Firebirds, and they are not expensive to make from Radio Shack parts. If yu find a Firebird that has one of these filters, it will be inline between the tack and dist, in the loom, with three ends, one to the dist, one to the tachometer, one to ground.

Google "Firebird tachometer filter", should get you where you need to go to build your own. Last one I built, less than two bucks and some soldering.

[chevyrestoguy]

^^^Thanks for the great tip! I will keep this in my files for future reference.

[SFTorange]

I installed one of the reproduction factory tachs in my truck, and it works with the HEI. I bought it from Classic Parts, and it says right on their website that it works. I'm pretty sure it's the same one that Truck Shop sells, manufactured by Counterpart. I doubt that two companies are reproducing these things. I have it hooked up and it works great so far.

[logan6437]

wow thats good to know that everything will just kinda pop into place its too bad the tach is nearly $200, thats one reason i kinda wanted to go aftermarket but i dont want to ruin my dash so ill just start saving up, does anyone know what models came with the tach factory? all i know of is the c50 i think had them

[Slow Build]

Here is a picture of mine. The PO put it in and I like it. I'm trying to find a clock for the other side of the cluster that is the right size.

[logan6437]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

Here is a picture of mine. The PO put it in and I like it. I'm trying to find a clock for the other side of the cluster that is the right size.

Dude thats exactly what i was looking to do, do you have any instructions or pics on how to ????? and what tach you used

[Brandonc20]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

Here is a picture of mine. The PO put it in and I like it. I'm trying to find a clock for the other side of the cluster that is the right size.

teach me your ways!