Installing new tach gauge in a non-tach dash cluster? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970blazin · 08-06-2003, 07:58 PM

I would like to insert a tach gauge into my existing dash cluster, Does anyone know what that involves? I have my dash out already and a limited amount of $$$. My dash cluster is in good shape and has a new bezel. Also can I change the mileage on my odometer? I just put in a new engine and would like it to reflect my new mileage. Is that legal??

Anyways- any advice will be appreciated alot!

72BLAZERDUDE · 08-06-2003, 08:34 PM

You will have to get a new printed circuit. Th ones for a tach dash are designed to have something in the middle hole. Yhey will fit around an aftermarket tach. You will have to do alittle bit of cutting on the other parts of your dash assy. As far asresetting your odometer, If you are never planning on selling your truck it probably wont hurt. Alot of guys reset theirs when they put a new engine in. I imagine it is probably illegal in most states. You would probably have to check with your local MVD.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 08-06-2003, 08:37 PM

It is not hard to install into a dash gauge cluster. You will need (6)
things in order to change it out. Kits are available.

You will need the following items:

Tach
New face
Reveal
The sheet metal housing
Tach wiring
Tach printed circuit

You can use your existing bezel if it is for a gauge cluster.

Jim

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 08-06-2003, 08:57 PM

We have the tach conversion kits for 229.00 in our catalog or can get you each piece seperate.

miket · 08-06-2003, 10:14 PM

Are you looking to install an "oem" tach or an aftermarket tach?

DanoDMano · 08-06-2003, 11:33 PM

I installed an aftermarket Tach in mine, without buying anything,
I just soldered in jumper wires for the printed circuit board, and used my Dremel to cut out the hole!!

GMCrazy · 08-06-2003, 11:41 PM

hey Dano, could you post a pic of that? im thinking about doing the same thing

DanoDMano · 08-07-2003, 12:51 AM

Yeah I'll try to take some photos tomorrow!!!

It was pretty easy to do, and I didnt want to
spend alot on the project. I bought the tach
on e-bay for $19.95.

Hotrod70C10 · 08-07-2003, 01:16 AM

Hey dano, I didn't even have to make jumper wires for mine. I just cut the little hump out of the back plate with a cut out wheel and ran the tach wires through it. I butted the back of the tach up to the back plate. I do have about an 1/8 of an inch gap between the tach trim ring and the dash bezel.

1970blazin · 08-07-2003, 01:43 AM

Miket- I'm not sure if I want an aftermarket or OEM. My blazer is going to be pretty stock, but some custom things in the interior- so it doesn't have to be OEM.
DanoDMano- I'd like to see pics too!

miket · 08-07-2003, 11:21 AM

70Blazin,

Here is a pic of a "Sun" Tach that I picked up fairly cheap and installed in a day.

GMCrazy · 08-07-2003, 01:53 PM

wow, that turned out nice!

71-longbed · 08-07-2003, 02:38 PM

miket ....what model number is that sunpro tach??? .... looks really good ...i'd love to do the same .... feel free to pm me with instruction ...thanks

72c10step · 08-07-2003, 06:42 PM

miket,

I'd also like some more info on that tach. Please post it here or send me a PM.

miket · 08-07-2003, 07:01 PM

Okay guys, it's a Sun Tach with Shift light ...I will get you the actual part number tomorrow...it is available from summit as a Summit branded product....it is also available from (those of you who live in the Pacific NW) GI Joes....thats where I got mine...stay tuned.

miket · 08-08-2003, 12:56 AM

Here is a link to the Sunpro site and the specific model I bought....for those of you with White guage faces....they do offer a white tach.....don't pay the web price.....you can get these much cheaper elsewhere....

http://www.actron.com/cgi-bin/web_st...d=5372924_5431

It was easy to install....obviously remove the entire bezel from the truck and disassemble it...I cut the acrylic out with a dremel tool and cut off wheel...I also cut the metal housing behind it...wiring was simple...ignition/lights/ground and distributor feed. It fits flush in the bezel though I used a large hose clamp around the housing inside the bezel to secure it firmly (friction fit) in the bezel opening.

hope that helps...PM me if you have any questions.

72gmcshorty · 08-08-2003, 02:45 AM

Here's mine

DanoDMano · 08-08-2003, 01:01 PM

I am sorry I havent posted tach photos yet...

I am installing the A1 electric door locks and
havent been able to get my bezel off. I will do
it today and then post them when I get to work
at 3:00 PST.

Sorry...

Dan

DanoDMano · 08-08-2003, 09:23 PM

Here is a couple pictures of my Tach, and Printed Circuit Board jumpered.

DanoDMano · 08-08-2003, 09:26 PM

Another from the front.

72c10step · 08-08-2003, 11:09 PM

DanoDMano,

That cluster looks pretty sweet! What brand and type of Tach is that? (Sorry if you already answered that, just point me to it if you have).

DanoDMano · 08-08-2003, 11:17 PM

Here is a link. I bought it on e-bay for $19.95.http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?...t_Royale&Cart=

72c10step · 08-08-2003, 11:30 PM

Sweet, looks like you got a great deal!

special70gmc · 08-09-2003, 07:31 AM

another of mine

71-longbed · 08-09-2003, 02:28 PM

miket..is that sunpro a 3 3/8 or 3 1/2 diameter??

thanks

08-06-2003, 07:58 PM	#1
1970blazin Blazerless:-( Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 1,612	Installing new tach gauge in a non-tach dash cluster? I would like to insert a tach gauge into my existing dash cluster, Does anyone know what that involves? I have my dash out already and a limited amount of $$$. My dash cluster is in good shape and has a new bezel. Also can I change the mileage on my odometer? I just put in a new engine and would like it to reflect my new mileage. Is that legal?? Anyways- any advice will be appreciated alot! __________________ 1970blazin 1970 CST Blazer-Orig. Dark Blue-SOLD Progress Pics of Blazer for sale

08-06-2003, 08:34 PM	#2
72BLAZERDUDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: WATAUGA,TX Posts: 660	You will have to get a new printed circuit. Th ones for a tach dash are designed to have something in the middle hole. Yhey will fit around an aftermarket tach. You will have to do alittle bit of cutting on the other parts of your dash assy. As far asresetting your odometer, If you are never planning on selling your truck it probably wont hurt. Alot of guys reset theirs when they put a new engine in. I imagine it is probably illegal in most states. You would probably have to check with your local MVD. __________________ 72 2wd 307/AT/AC/TILT WHEEL 78 JIMMY HIGH SIERRA

08-06-2003, 08:57 PM	#4
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	We have the tach conversion kits for 229.00 in our catalog or can get you each piece seperate. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

08-06-2003, 10:14 PM	#5
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Are you looking to install an "oem" tach or an aftermarket tach? __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-06-2003, 11:33 PM	#6
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	I installed an aftermarket Tach in mine, without buying anything, I just soldered in jumper wires for the printed circuit board, and used my Dremel to cut out the hole!! __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-06-2003, 08:37 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	It is not hard to install into a dash gauge cluster. You will need (6) things in order to change it out. Kits are available. You will need the following items: Tach New face Reveal The sheet metal housing Tach wiring Tach printed circuit You can use your existing bezel if it is for a gauge cluster. Jim

08-06-2003, 11:41 PM	#7
GMCrazy David Tye Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Abbeville, Alabama Posts: 52	hey Dano, could you post a pic of that? im thinking about doing the same thing __________________ David -68 GMC w/327

08-07-2003, 12:51 AM	#8
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Yeah I'll try to take some photos tomorrow!!! It was pretty easy to do, and I didnt want to spend alot on the project. I bought the tach on e-bay for $19.95. __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-07-2003, 01:16 AM	#9
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Hey dano, I didn't even have to make jumper wires for mine. I just cut the little hump out of the back plate with a cut out wheel and ran the tach wires through it. I butted the back of the tach up to the back plate. I do have about an 1/8 of an inch gap between the tach trim ring and the dash bezel. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

08-07-2003, 01:43 AM	#10
1970blazin Blazerless:-( Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 1,612	Miket- I'm not sure if I want an aftermarket or OEM. My blazer is going to be pretty stock, but some custom things in the interior- so it doesn't have to be OEM. DanoDMano- I'd like to see pics too! __________________ 1970blazin 1970 CST Blazer-Orig. Dark Blue-SOLD Progress Pics of Blazer for sale

08-07-2003, 11:21 AM	#11
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	70Blazin, Here is a pic of a "Sun" Tach that I picked up fairly cheap and installed in a day. Attached Images __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-07-2003, 01:53 PM	#12
GMCrazy David Tye Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Abbeville, Alabama Posts: 52	wow, that turned out nice! __________________ David -68 GMC w/327

08-07-2003, 02:38 PM	#13
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	miket ....what model number is that sunpro tach??? .... looks really good ...i'd love to do the same .... feel free to pm me with instruction ...thanks __________________ 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.

08-07-2003, 06:42 PM	#14
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	miket, I'd also like some more info on that tach. Please post it here or send me a PM. __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

08-07-2003, 07:01 PM	#15
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Okay guys, it's a Sun Tach with Shift light ...I will get you the actual part number tomorrow...it is available from summit as a Summit branded product....it is also available from (those of you who live in the Pacific NW) GI Joes....thats where I got mine...stay tuned. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-08-2003, 12:56 AM	#16
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Here is a link to the Sunpro site and the specific model I bought....for those of you with White guage faces....they do offer a white tach.....don't pay the web price.....you can get these much cheaper elsewhere.... http://www.actron.com/cgi-bin/web_st...d=5372924_5431 It was easy to install....obviously remove the entire bezel from the truck and disassemble it...I cut the acrylic out with a dremel tool and cut off wheel...I also cut the metal housing behind it...wiring was simple...ignition/lights/ground and distributor feed. It fits flush in the bezel though I used a large hose clamp around the housing inside the bezel to secure it firmly (friction fit) in the bezel opening. hope that helps...PM me if you have any questions. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-08-2003, 02:45 AM	#17
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Here's mine Attached Images __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

08-08-2003, 01:01 PM	#18
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	I am sorry I havent posted tach photos yet... I am installing the A1 electric door locks and havent been able to get my bezel off. I will do it today and then post them when I get to work at 3:00 PST. Sorry... Dan __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-08-2003, 09:23 PM	#19
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Here is a couple pictures of my Tach, and Printed Circuit Board jumpered. Attached Images __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-08-2003, 09:26 PM	#20
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Another from the front. Attached Images __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-08-2003, 11:09 PM	#21
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	DanoDMano, That cluster looks pretty sweet! What brand and type of Tach is that? (Sorry if you already answered that, just point me to it if you have). __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

08-08-2003, 11:17 PM	#22
DanoDMano Pronounced "Pew-al-up" Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Puyallup, Washington Posts: 845	Here is a link. I bought it on e-bay for $19.95.http://www.egauges.com/vdo_mult.asp?...t_Royale&Cart= __________________ Classic GM Trucks of Washington Club Member 1970 FS chevy,350/350, Edelbrock cam and intake. Holley 650 carb,HEI,AT,Tangier Orange, 18's, Power Locks, Truck Photos

08-08-2003, 11:30 PM	#23
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Sweet, looks like you got a great deal! __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

08-09-2003, 07:31 AM	#24
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	another of mine Attached Images __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door

08-09-2003, 02:28 PM	#25
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	miket..is that sunpro a 3 3/8 or 3 1/2 diameter?? thanks __________________ 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.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.