1972 Gauge cluster needs tach and repair - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 12-23-2004, 01:23 AM

My old truck has the extra bottom gauges in it, but not the tach. The fuel gauge and the oil pressure gauge do not work, and the bezel is de-chromed. I will be replacing the oil pressure gauge and the fuel gauge (and likely the sending unit too) and would like to add a tach. What is the best way to add a tach to this? I would like to use a stock one from LMC or Early Classics or something to keep with the stock theme. I have also seen complete gauge clusters for sale from these places, would this be a better idea? Are there any other alternatives to the stockers that look good and a novice like me can handle? Thanks!

Deuce · 12-23-2004, 01:26 AM

There are a few guys on this site that do a awsome job of restoring tach dashes. Check the "For Sale" section.

muddpile · 12-23-2004, 01:53 AM

So will a tach go into my old dash no problem? Also, are there any hookups back there or do I need to run a few new wires, cables, etc.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-23-2004, 07:45 AM

You can buy a tach dash kit that has the (6) pieces in it that you will need to convert the dash to a tach dash. Check with the vendors. The bezel is available from the vendors as well as new gauges.

If you reuse old gauges the needles can be painted to dress them up.

Refurbished dashes are available as well as new if you don't want to do it yourself.

Jim

muddpile · 12-23-2004, 01:05 PM

Six pieces? I'll have to dig into this a little further. Looks like I may just buy a new/refurbished cluster and all the components to hook it up to save frustration.

67chevemall · 12-23-2004, 01:16 PM

JLAudio Man!
Sweet!

Rod · 12-23-2004, 03:32 PM

Basically the tach dashes compared to normal guage packages have the following different items on a tach dash. Different metal backing plate, different front plate meatl plate, different plastic printed circuit, a tach head, tach wiring which is a seperate harness piece, different inner plastic plate with all the writing screened on them.

Shop around get a price, I have couple I could sell also.
watch ebay..there going about $240-$340 now it seems.

muddpile · 12-24-2004, 01:04 AM

Yeah, I'll have to look around. Maybe I'll just leave it tach free (after all, it is an auto and its not like I race it, just a daily driver)

And yes 67chevemall, JL Audio is my friend. My corvette has a full JL system in it. If they made head units, I would not hesitate to buy one. I think the truck may just end up with some of their gear too

muddpile · 12-25-2004, 12:44 AM

Alright, I looked into adding a tach into my existing dash, and realized that it's just not cost effective, as I already have two gauges that don't work and a bezel that's de-chromed with a toggle switch drilled into it. So to make a long story short, I will likely buy a refurbished or new full gauge cluster with the bezel and everything. Is the tachometer harness all I would need to hook it up, or is there more?

67ChevyRedneck · 12-25-2004, 01:16 AM

I bought a 3 1/2"? , can't remember, tact from sunpro for like 30 bucks. I installed it on my steering column. Looks cool to me and functions well. I have it adjusted to the left side so it is right near the speedo. Sorry no pics, I don't have a scanner thingy.

longnlow72 · 12-25-2004, 01:18 AM

i have jl audio subs in my truck too!

muddpile · 12-25-2004, 01:24 AM

67ChevyRedneck, how did you install it on your column? did you use a hose clamp or some sort or bracket or what? Also, where did you route the wiring for it?

Longnlow72, what do you run for JL Audio subs? 10" W0's or something? How do you like it? I'm still in the planning stage of my system. Not a lot will fit in these trucks (especially with the stock gas tank).

67ChevyRedneck · 12-25-2004, 01:40 AM

I did use a hose clamp, I found a smooth one from somewhere....it only had a couple holes where it tightens.... then I marked it and ground off the extra "flap" and I also painted it black to match the column,I slid the tact back close to the instrament panel and ran the wires under the colum then betwen the rubber pad on the cluster and that funny lookin metal piece that covers it underneath...the thin metal piece with the two screws... You can't even see it there unless your lookin right at it. I'm with you, new "factory" tacts and rebuilt clusters arent worth it...$300-500??? I don't think so!

muddpile · 12-25-2004, 02:02 AM

Yeah. I think I might do the sunpro idea. I kind of like that vintage drag car look that a column mounted tach gives.

longnlow72 · 12-25-2004, 10:50 PM

muddpile, yes i have two 10w0's under my bench seat

12-23-2004, 01:23 AM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	1972 Gauge cluster needs tach and repair My old truck has the extra bottom gauges in it, but not the tach. The fuel gauge and the oil pressure gauge do not work, and the bezel is de-chromed. I will be replacing the oil pressure gauge and the fuel gauge (and likely the sending unit too) and would like to add a tach. What is the best way to add a tach to this? I would like to use a stock one from LMC or Early Classics or something to keep with the stock theme. I have also seen complete gauge clusters for sale from these places, would this be a better idea? Are there any other alternatives to the stockers that look good and a novice like me can handle? Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-23-2004, 01:26 AM	#2
Deuce Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta,Canada Posts: 1,595	There are a few guys on this site that do a awsome job of restoring tach dashes. Check the "For Sale" section. __________________ I know what your thinking.......I have ESPN. Sometimes it's easier to do things the hard way. Fesler Built 1968 Chevy C10....Must resist the urge to mess with it!!

12-23-2004, 01:53 AM	#3
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	So will a tach go into my old dash no problem? Also, are there any hookups back there or do I need to run a few new wires, cables, etc. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-23-2004, 01:05 PM	#5
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Six pieces? I'll have to dig into this a little further. Looks like I may just buy a new/refurbished cluster and all the components to hook it up to save frustration. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-23-2004, 01:16 PM	#6
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	JLAudio Man! Sweet! __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

12-23-2004, 07:45 AM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	You can buy a tach dash kit that has the (6) pieces in it that you will need to convert the dash to a tach dash. Check with the vendors. The bezel is available from the vendors as well as new gauges. If you reuse old gauges the needles can be painted to dress them up. Refurbished dashes are available as well as new if you don't want to do it yourself. Jim

12-23-2004, 03:32 PM	#7
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Basically the tach dashes compared to normal guage packages have the following different items on a tach dash. Different metal backing plate, different front plate meatl plate, different plastic printed circuit, a tach head, tach wiring which is a seperate harness piece, different inner plastic plate with all the writing screened on them. Shop around get a price, I have couple I could sell also. watch ebay..there going about $240-$340 now it seems. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

12-24-2004, 01:04 AM	#8
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Yeah, I'll have to look around. Maybe I'll just leave it tach free (after all, it is an auto and its not like I race it, just a daily driver) And yes 67chevemall, JL Audio is my friend. My corvette has a full JL system in it. If they made head units, I would not hesitate to buy one. I think the truck may just end up with some of their gear too __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-25-2004, 12:44 AM	#9
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Alright, I looked into adding a tach into my existing dash, and realized that it's just not cost effective, as I already have two gauges that don't work and a bezel that's de-chromed with a toggle switch drilled into it. So to make a long story short, I will likely buy a refurbished or new full gauge cluster with the bezel and everything. Is the tachometer harness all I would need to hook it up, or is there more? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-25-2004, 01:16 AM	#10
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I bought a 3 1/2"? , can't remember, tact from sunpro for like 30 bucks. I installed it on my steering column. Looks cool to me and functions well. I have it adjusted to the left side so it is right near the speedo. Sorry no pics, I don't have a scanner thingy. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-25-2004, 01:18 AM	#11
longnlow72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SW Washington Posts: 947	i have jl audio subs in my truck too! __________________ 72 Chevy lwb, cowl hood, shaved antenna, shaved bedrails, blazer tank, sidemarker fill, 1pc windows, flowmaster 40's, alpine deck, infinity 6x9's, infinity 4"ers, 2 jl audio 10w0's, grant wheel, keyless entry and alarm, more waiting to be done...

12-25-2004, 01:24 AM	#12
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	67ChevyRedneck, how did you install it on your column? did you use a hose clamp or some sort or bracket or what? Also, where did you route the wiring for it? Longnlow72, what do you run for JL Audio subs? 10" W0's or something? How do you like it? I'm still in the planning stage of my system. Not a lot will fit in these trucks (especially with the stock gas tank). __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-25-2004, 01:40 AM	#13
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	I did use a hose clamp, I found a smooth one from somewhere....it only had a couple holes where it tightens.... then I marked it and ground off the extra "flap" and I also painted it black to match the column,I slid the tact back close to the instrament panel and ran the wires under the colum then betwen the rubber pad on the cluster and that funny lookin metal piece that covers it underneath...the thin metal piece with the two screws... You can't even see it there unless your lookin right at it. I'm with you, new "factory" tacts and rebuilt clusters arent worth it...$300-500??? I don't think so! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-25-2004, 02:02 AM	#14
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Yeah. I think I might do the sunpro idea. I kind of like that vintage drag car look that a column mounted tach gives. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-25-2004, 10:50 PM	#15
longnlow72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SW Washington Posts: 947	muddpile, yes i have two 10w0's under my bench seat __________________ 72 Chevy lwb, cowl hood, shaved antenna, shaved bedrails, blazer tank, sidemarker fill, 1pc windows, flowmaster 40's, alpine deck, infinity 6x9's, infinity 4"ers, 2 jl audio 10w0's, grant wheel, keyless entry and alarm, more waiting to be done...



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