I've build the Camaro Tach in the dash... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Edmond · 03-13-2003, 06:11 PM

Yep, it's finally done. I did it, and all by myself.

Tomorrow I'm gonna put the dash back in the truck.

Cya,
Edmond

**Yukon Jack** · 03-13-2003, 06:13 PM

Looks great!

72shadetree · 03-13-2003, 06:22 PM

great job on it

71-longbed · 03-13-2003, 06:41 PM

im green with envy !!!

gman · 03-13-2003, 06:42 PM

That looks very nice.

**Palf70Step** · 03-13-2003, 08:35 PM

Very Nice!!

DR67 · 03-13-2003, 10:42 PM

Looks good, am planning to do one soon, do you have any tips to share?

DR67

casey · 03-13-2003, 10:46 PM

That looks awesome, what years of camero,and like DR67 says got any tips on putin it in?

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 03-13-2003, 10:48 PM

Damn that look's factory!!!!!!Great work!!!

70c10 · 03-13-2003, 11:13 PM

SWEEEET!!!!

1972chevy4x4 · 03-13-2003, 11:14 PM

Very nice and clean job, what year of camaro works??????

71 BIG RED · 03-14-2003, 12:38 AM

YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD, HOWEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE MY FUEL GUAGE. WHAT WAS THE TOTAL COST? I HAVE HEI WITH A TACH PORT.

t3cochise · 03-14-2003, 12:46 AM

Wow that looks really good like it was meant to be. Awesome. Dan

dmec · 03-14-2003, 04:26 AM

DR67

yours is in the mail. i have more if anyone is interested.

Capitol68 · 03-14-2003, 07:28 AM

Dmec,
PM sent

mrein3 · 03-14-2003, 08:36 AM

Edmond,

Could you get a digi-shot of the back of your cluster and post it? How did you fit the tach behind the non-tach printed circuit? Or did you buy a new printed circuit with the tach cut-out?

TIA

Edmond · 03-14-2003, 11:04 AM

Just finished putting the cluster back in the Truck...started the engine....and hey presto, it works!!

Thanks for al the complements guys. That feels good.
Anyway, I just followed the procedure posted here many times by user Original69. I can post them for you if you can not find them using the search option. (Perhaps it's a good idea to put these in the Tech Tips department?)
I bought a complete '75 Camaro cluster for $100, so not just the tach. I believe all second generation Camaro Tach's will work, but starting in (I believe) '78 the apearence of the needle looks different than mine.
I had no trouble fitting it in, and used the original non-tach printed circuit. The picture shows it without the circuit on it, I forgot to take one with the circuit on...But you get a good look at the small protective rubber I placed there.
Oh and I placed the small electronic unit which comes with the tach between the Amp and Temp gauges. I will post a picture of that to...
And last, but not least, with the cluster out of the truck I also painted all the needles, and they look as new.

Thanks again for your time.

Cya,
Edmond

Edmond · 03-14-2003, 11:08 AM

And here's were I put the small electronic circuit that came with the tach.

Cya,
Edmond

c10crazy · 03-14-2003, 11:15 AM

did you have to cut a circle in the sheet metal housing in the back?

Edmond · 03-14-2003, 11:17 AM

Yes, I made three small holes in the backplate right on the place were the tach is bolted in the Camaro cluster.

Cya,
Edmond

Longhorn Man · 03-14-2003, 11:19 AM

I saw a 77-ish Trans Am in the junk yard the other day and it had a tach/clock combo....might just have to go snag that sob.

c10crazy · 03-14-2003, 11:21 AM

Thanks Edmond. I just did a search for original69's instructions and didn't see em'. Can you post a link to them. Thanks for the info!

Edmond · 03-14-2003, 11:31 AM

Here they are:

The following instructions are from (user) Original69.

Z28 Tach in a 67-72 truck.

Parts needed are the tach, at least 8ft wire. Crimp on ends, 6 nuts same size as the z28
guage studs, grommet, plastic cleaner, drill bit etc. I’m sure I missed something..

Here is an overveiw of the tach install. I used a tach from a 79 Z28 cluster.

1-Dissasemble the rear cover by removing the screws on the edge. I think
there are 8 of them . Set it aside.
2-Take out the black metal plate and set it aside.
3-Take the plastic plate out and you will need to remove the lines in white
that are there. I used a Meguires plastic cleaner and a whole lot of rubbing.
Be careful not to remove any of the other white lines, only the ones where
The tach is going.
4-Get the metal plate, the one with the black side and you will need to
remove the area where the tach will be. I removed just the circle area to
the edge. The tach circumference should be about ½' larger than the circle you are cutting out.
Go slow here and do a good job
5-You will have to trim off the small tab on the tach where it sticks out.
Don’t worry about the small notch that’s there, you won’t see it when
It’s done. I did cut two small pieces off of the edge for the dash lites to
Show thru at night. About ¼'
6-Put the tach where it goes. I had the bend the bottom and top edges with
small pliers before it would fit.
7-Take the tach back out and you will have to do some work to it now.
8-The tach has 3 studs coming thru an insulator plate. This will have to be
removed. I took the 3 nuts and insulator off marking on paper where
wires went. (grnd, pos, tach). You will have to screw the 2 small nuts
on the studs one at a time to DOUBLE NUT them before you cut them.
I used a cutoff wheel and cut close to the top nut. Then back one nut off
and when you do all three hook the three new wires onto the shortened studs.
9-Put the tach back into the cluster and turn it around finding the
best fit in the front. I used sheet metal screws to hold it in. You
can drill a small hole then screw the sheet metal screws in close
along side the tach. This will not show in the front and is good enough
to hold the tach from moving.
10-Now take the rear metal piece and figure out where the tach screws
could possibly hit. It is very close here. If you need room take the
plastic circuit piece off, then use a small ball peen hammer and
hit it a few times to bulge it out some. Be careful you don’t hit
it out too far as the circuit plastic might not want to go back on.
Mine is very tight but I needed the clearance inside.
11-Drill a small hole big enough for the 3 wires and a rubber grommet
to pass thru the rear plate.
12-Check everything before you screw it all back together to make sure.
I also put a few pieces of electrical tape where the studs might hit the
inside of the rear plate.

c10crazy · 03-14-2003, 11:35 AM

Thanks Edmond for posting this. I can get these tachs in the junkyards for $15 each. I'll check tomorrow.

mrein3 · 03-14-2003, 02:29 PM

Edmond,
Great post. Great pictures. Great info. Thanks a million!

03-13-2003, 06:11 PM	#1
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	I've build the Camaro Tach in the dash... Yep, it's finally done. I did it, and all by myself. Tomorrow I'm gonna put the dash back in the truck. Cya, Edmond Attached Images __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-13-2003, 06:13 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Looks great! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-13-2003, 06:22 PM	#3
72shadetree KEEP ON TRUCKING Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: martinsville va Posts: 2,563	great job on it __________________ 72 cheyenne 2wd lwb 71 k20 sons bassett va

03-13-2003, 06:41 PM	#4
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	im green with envy !!! __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

03-13-2003, 06:42 PM	#5
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	That looks very nice. __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

03-13-2003, 08:35 PM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,819	Very Nice!! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-13-2003, 10:42 PM	#7
DR67 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Knoxville, Tn. USA Posts: 205	Looks good, am planning to do one soon, do you have any tips to share? DR67 __________________ Dave Knoxville,Tn.

03-13-2003, 10:46 PM	#8
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	That looks awesome, what years of camero,and like DR67 says got any tips on putin it in?

03-13-2003, 10:48 PM	#9
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Damn that look's factory!!!!!!Great work!!! __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

03-13-2003, 11:13 PM	#10
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	SWEEEET!!!! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

03-13-2003, 11:14 PM	#11
1972chevy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 223	Very nice and clean job, what year of camaro works?????? __________________ 1972 chevy k10 4x4 longbed 4-inch lift, 3.73 front/rears, frame off nearly complete 1972 chevy k10 4x4 longbed parts truck, known as the "ugly green machine" 1990 GMC 3/4 shortbed ext cab Always in need of 67-72 parts in central ks.

03-14-2003, 12:38 AM	#12
71 BIG RED Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Elko,Nevada Posts: 22	YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD, HOWEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE MY FUEL GUAGE. WHAT WAS THE TOTAL COST? I HAVE HEI WITH A TACH PORT. __________________ big red 71

03-14-2003, 12:46 AM	#13
t3cochise Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: N. California Posts: 85	Nice Wow that looks really good like it was meant to be. Awesome. Dan __________________ 1972 2wd Jimmy 1967 Camaro 2000 Tahoe Limited 1998 Tahoe 2 door 2 wd

03-14-2003, 04:26 AM	#14
dmec Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: yucaipa ca Posts: 580	DR67 yours is in the mail. i have more if anyone is interested.

03-14-2003, 07:28 AM	#15
Capitol68 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austin,Tx Posts: 327	Dmec, PM sent __________________ '68 Fleet LWB orig 307 .030 over GM Hei/w Accel Super coil orig. stock TH 400. _______________________ “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pine English author d.1851



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03-14-2003, 08:36 AM	#16
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Edmond, Could you get a digi-shot of the back of your cluster and post it? How did you fit the tach behind the non-tach printed circuit? Or did you buy a new printed circuit with the tach cut-out? TIA __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

03-14-2003, 11:04 AM	#17
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	....and it works!! Just finished putting the cluster back in the Truck...started the engine....and hey presto, it works!! Thanks for al the complements guys. That feels good. Anyway, I just followed the procedure posted here many times by user Original69. I can post them for you if you can not find them using the search option. (Perhaps it's a good idea to put these in the Tech Tips department?) I bought a complete '75 Camaro cluster for $100, so not just the tach. I believe all second generation Camaro Tach's will work, but starting in (I believe) '78 the apearence of the needle looks different than mine. I had no trouble fitting it in, and used the original non-tach printed circuit. The picture shows it without the circuit on it, I forgot to take one with the circuit on...But you get a good look at the small protective rubber I placed there. Oh and I placed the small electronic unit which comes with the tach between the Amp and Temp gauges. I will post a picture of that to... And last, but not least, with the cluster out of the truck I also painted all the needles, and they look as new. Thanks again for your time. Cya, Edmond Attached Images __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-14-2003, 11:08 AM	#18
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	Electronic piece for the tach... And here's were I put the small electronic circuit that came with the tach. Cya, Edmond Attached Images __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-14-2003, 11:15 AM	#19
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	did you have to cut a circle in the sheet metal housing in the back? __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

03-14-2003, 11:17 AM	#20
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	Yes, I made three small holes in the backplate right on the place were the tach is bolted in the Camaro cluster. Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-14-2003, 11:19 AM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I saw a 77-ish Trans Am in the junk yard the other day and it had a tach/clock combo....might just have to go snag that sob.

03-14-2003, 11:21 AM	#22
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	Thanks Edmond. I just did a search for original69's instructions and didn't see em'. Can you post a link to them. Thanks for the info! __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

03-14-2003, 11:31 AM	#23
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,062	Here they are: The following instructions are from (user) Original69. Z28 Tach in a 67-72 truck. Parts needed are the tach, at least 8ft wire. Crimp on ends, 6 nuts same size as the z28 guage studs, grommet, plastic cleaner, drill bit etc. I’m sure I missed something.. Here is an overveiw of the tach install. I used a tach from a 79 Z28 cluster. 1-Dissasemble the rear cover by removing the screws on the edge. I think there are 8 of them . Set it aside. 2-Take out the black metal plate and set it aside. 3-Take the plastic plate out and you will need to remove the lines in white that are there. I used a Meguires plastic cleaner and a whole lot of rubbing. Be careful not to remove any of the other white lines, only the ones where The tach is going. 4-Get the metal plate, the one with the black side and you will need to remove the area where the tach will be. I removed just the circle area to the edge. The tach circumference should be about ½' larger than the circle you are cutting out. Go slow here and do a good job 5-You will have to trim off the small tab on the tach where it sticks out. Don’t worry about the small notch that’s there, you won’t see it when It’s done. I did cut two small pieces off of the edge for the dash lites to Show thru at night. About ¼' 6-Put the tach where it goes. I had the bend the bottom and top edges with small pliers before it would fit. 7-Take the tach back out and you will have to do some work to it now. 8-The tach has 3 studs coming thru an insulator plate. This will have to be removed. I took the 3 nuts and insulator off marking on paper where wires went. (grnd, pos, tach). You will have to screw the 2 small nuts on the studs one at a time to DOUBLE NUT them before you cut them. I used a cutoff wheel and cut close to the top nut. Then back one nut off and when you do all three hook the three new wires onto the shortened studs. 9-Put the tach back into the cluster and turn it around finding the best fit in the front. I used sheet metal screws to hold it in. You can drill a small hole then screw the sheet metal screws in close along side the tach. This will not show in the front and is good enough to hold the tach from moving. 10-Now take the rear metal piece and figure out where the tach screws could possibly hit. It is very close here. If you need room take the plastic circuit piece off, then use a small ball peen hammer and hit it a few times to bulge it out some. Be careful you don’t hit it out too far as the circuit plastic might not want to go back on. Mine is very tight but I needed the clearance inside. 11-Drill a small hole big enough for the 3 wires and a rubber grommet to pass thru the rear plate. 12-Check everything before you screw it all back together to make sure. I also put a few pieces of electrical tape where the studs might hit the inside of the rear plate. __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands

03-14-2003, 11:35 AM	#24
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	Thanks Edmond for posting this. I can get these tachs in the junkyards for $15 each. I'll check tomorrow. __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

03-14-2003, 02:29 PM	#25
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Edmond, Great post. Great pictures. Great info. Thanks a million! __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

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