Tachometer Recommendation

[kbuhagiar]

Hello folks,

I'm tired of driving my 47 Plymouth without a tach.

I've resigned myself to the fact that I cannot incorporate one into my existing dashboard, unless I spend thousands on the Dakota Digital stuff.

So, I've decided to go ahead and at least consider installing a free-standing unit.

It will have to be electronic (12-volt), classic, understated, and preferably somewhat nostalgic.

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

Edited December 1, 2010 by kbuhagiar

[aero3113]

I asked the same thing

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=24302&highlight=volt+tach

[Gwellman]

If you want to incorporate the tach in the dash, I don't have a good recommendation. You might check with Westach (see their website). They have small tachs, about 3 inches in diameter. While they do not list a 6 volt postive ground, they will make one for you on request. And in some cases, the 12 v tachs will also work making allowances for the wiring hookups.

However, I have Sun Super Tach, 0-5000 rpm with 6 volt positve ground sending unit. I bought this new, about 40 years ago, when I used to drag race a stock 1950 Plymouth. It is now mounted on my low milage 48 business couple and still works well. The sending units originally had a mercury battery which is no longer available, but a standard AA 1.5 volt works fine. This is really a beautiful instrument, but it is mounted on the steering wheel column which may not be what you are looking for. These come up every now and then on ebay and sell at reasonable prices.

George

[Andydodge]

Have attached a pic of the tach mounted on the dashtop of my P11, hope this helps, this is an Oz brand tach, think its only 2" diameter but as it had a nice chromed bezel it suits the look.......andyd

[kbuhagiar]

If you want to incorporate the tach in the dash, I don't have a good recommendation.

George

Actually, I've given up on mounting one in the dash (for now). I'm thinking of mounting a free-standing unit under the dash or even on the steering column.

And I need something that incorporates modern technology, i.e. 12-volts and all electronic.

[kbuhagiar]

Have attached a pic of the tach mounted on the dashtop of my P11, hope this helps, this is an Oz brand tach, think its only 2" diameter but as it had a nice chromed bezel it suits the look.......andyd

Andy, thanks for the response.

That is exactly the style and size I was thinking about...do you know the manufacturer, or possibly have a picture of the dial?

Thanks again.

[Don Coatney]

I bought this one a few years back on eBay.

[kbuhagiar]

I bought this one a few years back on eBay.

Hello, Don,

Thanks for the reply. I like the fact that it only goes up to 6000rpm - more realistic.

[Andydodge]

Went & checked again, the one I have is only a 2" dial, its an Australian "Specometer" brand, 0-8000(haha) black face & bezel edge with white markings and an adjustable orange redline in a chrome housing.......I have it optimistically set at 4000..........lol.......its an electronic type I think, well it is connected up to a Langdon S10 HEI, I bought it at the local Oz parts house, Supercheap Auto........think it was about $50-60.00.......its small enough to blend in but large enough to see........andyd

[Don Coatney]

Hello, Don,

Thanks for the reply. I like the fact that it only goes up to 6000rpm - more realistic.

The fact that it only goes to six grand is the prime reason I bought it. That and the fact that it was new in box and dirt cheap.

Item # : 1872744008

Item : TRW Universal ElectTachometer 6000 RPM NIB!

Total Paid: $ 16.95

Date Paid : 11/22/2002

[BeBop138]

I put mine on the clock block off plate---sorry about the fuzzy..........Lee

[Howard Tarnoff]

I sent my two pods to Zak and he manufactured good looking analog. On the left are oil, temp, fuel and battery. Center is the Speedo and Right is the Tach. With High Beam and Directionals I think I paid about $500 bucks. Sorry for very late response.

[james curl]

I got mine from Speedway, only problem is it goes to 8000 RPM. Would much have preferred a 5000 RPM tach.

[martybose]

I had this Sun tach installed in my car for a long time

It has a separate sender but was converted to be batteryless. That isn't a crack in the lens, it's a reflection of the horn ring.

I took it off because I found a neat Chrysler Marine 5000 RPM electronic 270 degree tach that was too good to pass up.

I'll give you the old tach if you would like it, you would have to make up a new column mount, as I used the one I had on the new tach.

Marty

[1937 Dodge]

Marty,

I'd really like to see photos of your Crown Marine Tach. Sounds like a perfect match for our flatheads.

[martybose]

Marty,

I'd really like to see photos of your Crown Marine Tach. Sounds like a perfect match for our flatheads.

Okay, here it is:

Marty

[Don Coatney]

I

I'll give you the old tach if you would like it, you would have to make up a new column mount, as I used the one I had on the new tach.

Marty

Marty;

I would like it! I have Pm'ed you with mailing details.

[adam_knox]

What if you bought one and just put a retro face on it in the same font as the car? I would imagine it wouldn't be too hard with some photoshop software. Just maybe some tinkering to get the markings lined up.

[1937 Dodge]

Thanks for the photo, Marty. I really like your tach.

[Drdialtone]

The fact that it only goes to six grand is the prime reason I bought it. That and the fact that it was new in box and dirt cheap.

Item # : 1872744008

Item : TRW Universal ElectTachometer 6000 RPM NIB!

Total Paid: $ 16.95

Date Paid : 11/22/2002

Hey Don,

Where did you buy the universal tach? And is it positive ground? I've been looking for one but had no luck!!

[Drdialtone]

Okay, here it is:

Marty

WOW! This is great... where did you get it and does it work on 6v positive ground??

[martybose]

WOW! This is great... where did you get it and does it work on 6v positive ground??

No, it was a later one meant for 12V+. I found it on eBay.

marty

[moose]

No, it was a later one meant for 12V+. I found it on eBay.

marty

I bid on that one too. Darn you Marty!

[Don Coatney]

Hey Don,

Where did you buy the universal tach? And is it positive ground? I've been looking for one but had no luck!!

Item # : 1872744008 is an e-pay number. Negative ground 12 volt only.

[Drdialtone]

Bummer... Thought I was on to a source.