Adding Tachometer

[AASmedic]

Good day all. I am considering adding a "factory" tach to my dash cluster in a truck that didn't originally come with one. Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't I be able to purchase the tach, a harness and a new printed circuit board and install it in my current dash cluster?

[Coley]

You're close and yes you need those items.
As well tho', you will need the alternate (tach based) inner and outer mount plates that will replace the 2 existing gauge mount plates that you have.
These alternate plates are stamped/cut out to allow for the tach mounting.
I think several companies including LMC (...yikes) makes complete kits that you can purchase to buy/install one of these....you will see these (2) alternate plates shown in their kits.
Or one of the board members like T-bone can set up nicely.
All Good
Coley

[AASmedic]

Thanks for the info. I have the opportunity to purchase a cluster with the factory tach in it for $300 but I am not sure that I need to spend that much if I can put one in mine for less. Opinions?

[flashed]

$300 for a Tach Dash is a deal if it works .

[TBONE1964]

It depends on what you want. You can modify your existing cluster to accommodate a tach but I do not recommend it.

Be careful buying used OE tach clusters. If you can get the seller to back up that the tach will work, that would be the only way to buy one. If you have a factory tach cluster with a bad tach and a bad circuit board, all you have left of value is the tins.

I only use aftermarket parts now unless my customer supplies parts.

If you were to start from scratch, you would be looking at around $550.00 for a nice restored like new tach cluster.

If you need my help in the future, please let me know.

Take care,
Tom

[AASmedic]

Thanks Tom. I will take any advice I can get. I have a 72 K20 numbers matching truck with 88k original miles. The motor is solid but I would like to update things such as adding tach and tilt. Other than that some cosmetic stuff is all it needs. I have an "empty" dash bezel that I can install my gauges in. Is that something you would do or just pick up the one for $300 and restore it?

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by AASmedic

Thanks Tom. I will take any advice I can get. I have a 72 K20 numbers matching truck with 88k original miles. The motor is solid but I would like to update things such as adding tach and tilt. Other than that some cosmetic stuff is all it needs. I have an "empty" dash bezel that I can install my gauges in. Is that something you would do or just pick up the one for $300 and restore it?

If you can get the seller to back up the tach working, then I would say $300.00 is a sweet deal even if you have to put a new aftermarket circuit board in it.

The aftermarket tachs are around $100.00, so if you need to replace it, you now have a $400.00 cluster that still needs restored.

Hope this helps. Myself, I would much rather have a factory tach cluster than just having a tach clamped to my steering column.

Hope this helps.

Take care,
Tom

[AASmedic]

Ok, he says it works but no guarantees because he is parting out old trucks. You buy it as is.

[davepl]

I don't think anyone said it, but you need the lens as well if you'd like numbers on your tach scale I'd think...

[AASmedic]

Good point. I'm considering just going with the LMC kit. Opinions?

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by AASmedic

Good point. I'm considering just going with the LMC kit. Opinions?

LMC doesn't make much of anything. They just buy the parts and mark them up. I would see if a board vendor like Classic Heartbeat could set you up.

[flashed]

I would let Tom set one up ,he does nice work.

[AASmedic]

Thanks for the advice flashed. I will PM Tom about it.

[Tdrcreyn4]

Tom built one for me too and it's outstanding! Excellent work!