Tach dash cluster - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Motor City GMC · 04-06-2008, 03:52 AM

I have an opportunity to get a stock tack dash cluster out of a 87 silverado, but my 87 gmc 1500 does not have this, anyone know if it will just plug in and everything work or if anything has to be done for the tach to work. I am assuming that everything else will only thing differetn between the two is the placement of the fuel gauge. Thanks to all.

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

Mickey_D · 04-06-2008, 04:34 AM

There's a whole bunch of posts about this in the Electrical forum. You'll need the tach pigtail harness to get it to work.

f.monroe · 04-06-2008, 04:39 AM

I do not believe that there was a factory installed tach cluster in 87 . It is probably one someone put together . I would get it anyway and make sure it will work in your truck before you install it . Frank

BurnoutNova · 04-06-2008, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motor City GMC

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

you'll need to run a wire from the ground side of the coil for the tach rpm feed. it should be marked on the hei cap already. otherwise just power and ground an you should be good.

bigblock73 · 04-06-2008, 06:45 PM

I agree with Frank, tachs weren't put in 87's from the factory.

BLE 'BURBAN · 04-07-2008, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motor City GMC

I have an opportunity to get a stock tack dash cluster out of a 87 silverado, but my 87 gmc 1500 does not have this, anyone know if it will just plug in and everything work or if anything has to be done for the tach to work. I am assuming that everything else will only thing differetn between the two is the placement of the fuel gauge. Thanks to all.

One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading?

What year are you wanting to put it into?
'73 - '74 w/ pionts type dist & remote mounted coil hook the tach lead to the + side of the coil.CORRECTION- As pointed out by Mickey_D below that should be the - side of the coil.
'75 - '86 with coil-in-cap H.E.I. plug the tach lead into the dist cap where it's marked "TACH"
'87 - '91 models plug it into the white unused lead right near the coil. That is the tach lead from the coil.
Run the positive lead from the coil to a "switched" (no power when key is off)power lead on the fuse panel.
Run the ground lead to the 6 prong cluster ground located on the left side wall behind the cluster.
And here's what you will see on the back of your tach cluster where the tach leads are located...................

BIGCHEVYMAN · 04-07-2008, 04:39 AM

Tachs were inthe medium duty trucks 87-89. That may be waht that dash is out of.

Mickey_D · 04-07-2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

What year are you wanting to put it into?
'73 - '74 w/ pionts type dist & remote mounted coil hook the tach lead to the + side of the coil.

Wouldn't that be the negative side of the coil there BLE?

BLE 'BURBAN · 04-07-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey_D

Wouldn't that be the negative side of the coil there BLE?

Yep thanks for catching that. I'll go back up and correct it.

04-06-2008, 03:52 AM	#1
Motor City GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clarkston,Michigan Posts: 121	Tach dash cluster I have an opportunity to get a stock tack dash cluster out of a 87 silverado, but my 87 gmc 1500 does not have this, anyone know if it will just plug in and everything work or if anything has to be done for the tach to work. I am assuming that everything else will only thing differetn between the two is the placement of the fuel gauge. Thanks to all. One other question how does the tack work? what i mean is what does it plug into to get the rpm reading? __________________ 1979 Scottsdale Trailering Special K30 Motor City GMC

04-06-2008, 04:34 AM	#2
Mickey_D Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mormon country Posts: 2,484	Re: Tach dash cluster There's a whole bunch of posts about this in the Electrical forum. You'll need the tach pigtail harness to get it to work. __________________ Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD Sign up with the Contact List RIP ESLL

04-06-2008, 04:39 AM	#3
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: Tach dash cluster I do not believe that there was a factory installed tach cluster in 87 . It is probably one someone put together . I would get it anyway and make sure it will work in your truck before you install it . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

04-06-2008, 06:45 PM	#5
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Tach dash cluster I agree with Frank, tachs weren't put in 87's from the factory. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

04-07-2008, 04:39 AM	#7
BIGCHEVYMAN Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Portland , Tennessee , United States Posts: 1,024	Re: Tach dash cluster Tachs were inthe medium duty trucks 87-89. That may be waht that dash is out of.



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