Tachometer for a 1962 C-10

[Joe Pass]

Has anyone try to install the 64-66 tach conversion kit in a 62 dash where the stock tach would have gone ?
Thanks, Joe

[chevy_mike]

Bump...

Can anyone help answer this?

[Rich 5150 69]

Here`s a thread on it Joe....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1962+dash+tach

[Joe Pass]

Thanks "Rich 5150 69" and chevy mike for the link, It stopped short of addressing the Tach installation but confirms that other members have tried. I think I'm going to order a Tach soon and give it a try. There is no return on electrical items so I'm taking a chance. My dash has provisions for a Tach and would think it shouldn't be that difficult. I might try and locate locally a 64-66 dash with Tach provisions and compare them.
If I succeed I will post my results

[Rich 5150 69]

Joe note the original tachs will not operate without the senders, the senders will need to be converted to work correctly, so the best bet is to buy the repops from one of the vendors such as Early classic enterprises...

[Joe Pass]

Thank You

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Joe note the original tachs will not operate without the senders, the senders will need to be converted to work correctly, so the best bet is to buy the repops from one of the vendors such as Early classic enterprises...

That is true for the 1960 - 1962 factory tachs. They do require a separate sender since the part that mounts in the dash is just a meter movement.

However, the 1963 - up factory Chevy truck tachs have all of the electronics built into the tach head assembly. The reproduction tachs are copies of this style.

I have never tried swapping tachs between 60-63 vs. 64-66 instrument clusters, but I have dealt with a few of these clusters with factory tachs. The mounting points and terminal locations appear to be the same for all years even though the terminal functions are different for the two types.

Also if you look up GM #3839947 in the old parts catalogs, you'll find that it's listed for all 1963 to 1966 10 through 80 series conventional & LCF cab trucks with V8 gas engines (except 66 with transistor ignition).

http://www.gmpartswiki.com/getpage?pageid=22675 (listing for 10-30 series)
http://www.gmpartswiki.com/getpage?pageid=20944 (listing for larger trucks)

So if tach #3839947 fits both 64-66 as well as 63, it stands to reason that it would fit 60-62 as well. It's just not listed for 60-62 because those years had the older style tach with the separate sender.

With all that in mind, there is a very good chance that the reproduction tachs (which are copies of the #3839947) will fit 60-63 full-gauge clusters as well.

[Joe Pass]

Thank you Ray_mcavoy for this bit of info...Its convinced me to take a chance on ordering one up. Classic parts of America has the conversion kit for 189.95 and fits 63-66 dash. I just can't see why they don't it will work in early year separate of the original sender version. It will take a week to arrive and soon after I will post my findings...Joe I posted some pictures of my dash panel in my album, I not finding the URL on the picture to post with my reply.

[ray_mcavoy]

You're welcome Joe!

From what I've seen, there's a very good chance that tach will fit your gauge cluster without any problems. Unfortunately, I sold all the early 60's gauge clusters I used to have. If I still had one handy, I could have done a test fit with a factory 63-66 tach and let you know for sure.

I'll stay tuned to see what you find out when your new tach arrives.

[Joe Pass]

[IMG][/IMG]Well, as pointed out by ray-mcavoy the 63-66 tach should and does fit in the 60-63 dash with the tach provisions...Done Deal...Thanks again, Joe
4 Pictures of this are in my 62 build [IMG][/IMG]album...in case I can't attach them to this link

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by Joe Pass

Well, as pointed out by ray-mcavoy the 63-66 tach should and does fit in the 60-63 dash with the tach provisions...Done Deal...Thanks again, Joe

You're welcome Joe! I'm glad to see that you were able to confirm my thoughts about the tach fitment. Maybe if the word gets out, the vendors selling these tachs will start including a note in their listings saying they can be used in 60-62 full gauge clusters as well.

By the way, your cluster looks great! Nice job with the restoration!

[Joe Pass]

Thanks Ray.... Maybe a VAC gauge next....the never ending search is what keeps me going...Joe

[1963chevyc20]

now all i got to do is find one!

[Joe Pass]

If you are referring to a Tach, I bought mine from Classic Chevy Parts. Its a modern version of the original one that will work with modern ignition.

[DakotaKid]

could you Modify the cluster that did not originally come with a tach to take the new tach?

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by DakotaKid

could you Modify the cluster that did not originally come with a tach to take the new tach?

It depends on the cluster. Not counting the yearly differences, there were two styles:

(1) The basic warning light cluster. It has a speedometer, fuel gauge, and a temperature gauge (60-61 only). And warning lights for everything else. This style of cluster does not have room for a tachometer.

(2) A gauge cluster was standard equipment in many of the larger medium/heavy duty trucks and available as an option in the lighter trucks. It includes an oil pressure gauge, temp gauge, and battery gauge (ammeter) as well as a couple of blank block-off plates on the far left and right sides. With this style of cluster, a factory (or reproduction) tach will fit right in place of the right side block-off plate as shown in Joe's pics. No modifications necessary.

[DakotaKid]

Yea its the Deluxe one. i guess i didnt notice the blockoff door on mine ws removeable. going to have to look closer at it.