Tachometer

[83kid]

Hi,
So in my 83 k10 i have a tachometer, but its a new shiny chrome one, mounted under the radio and to the right a bit, i don't mind it, but if i could incorporate it into the dash i'd love to.
Where the clock (I believe) is supposed to go, theres nothing, just a black suface with a white circle. So, I was thinking, i could possibly put one in there.
Yet, i can't find an older style tachometer anywhere i look that'll fit with the rest of the gauges. If i can;t find one that blends good, then ill just leave it as it is.
I don't want to alter much, as if i have to and can't just put it in that open slot then ill just leave it where it is.
So, is it possible to put a gauge in that open spot, and where would i find a gauge that would properly fit and blend well?

Thanks!

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

There are some small tachs that will fit in that spot. The Z Series from Autometer comes to mind. The font is an extremely good match to the earlier gauges, and will probably match your gauges really well too. I also believe VDO makes one that will fit nicely. You will be looking for a 2 1/8" (or there abouts) diameter tach.

The other option is to put in a factory tach. The factory tach goes where gas gauge currently is and a smaller gas gauge goes in the open spot in the cluster you are talking about. I in fact just received my tach to do the conversion today from the UPS lady. I will be adding to my cluster teardown and rebuild thread within the next couple of days.

edit: SlickGTP was the one that put a VDO tach in his open spot. Post #14... http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4792

 

[DoubleDingo]

There is always the option of replacing the cluster....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-B...strument-Cluster-W-Tachometer-E-/261434904313

 

[83kid]

Ok, thanks!
Both gauges look very similar to the others, not sure which one i might choose yet.
Bu, loking at the VDO tach's, i see there are programmable ones, or preset ones.
Ive never hooked up one of these guages before,i was assuming i would just disconnect that and reconnect another. Is this so, or is it more complicated?
Thanks!

 

[J Knight]

Maybe you need one like this.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1647&page=10

 

[chengny]

I always wonder why people mount tachometers in the cab - especially on trucks equipped with automatic transmissions.

Even if the transmission is a manual type, what is the purpose? Isn't possible to determine shift points by ear?

Here is a useful place to mount a tach:

You must be registered for see images attach

It is visible from almost anywhere in the engine compartment - very convenient for those times when engine RPM is required to make a repair/adjustment.

 

[Driver4r]

I always wonder why people mount tachometers in the cab - especially on trucks equipped with automatic transmissions.

Even if the transmission is a manual type, what is the purpose? Isn't possible to determine shift points by ear?

Here is a useful place to mount a tach:

You must be registered for see images attach

It is visible from almost anywhere in the engine compartment - very convenient for those times when engine RPM is required to make a repair/adjustment.

Its just nice to have one.. I personally use mine for a reference to how fast im going. Since my speedo is off, i just get to the rpm which i know is 65. Theres nothing wrong with having a tach in an auto vehicle, have you ever heard of shifting a auto manually?? I do it quite often actually.

 

[HAZZARDJOHN]

Maybe you need one like this.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1647&page=10

Where do you by this? I want this setup, except my 91 Suburban has warning lights on that side. If I could figure out how to relocate those that might be the best setup to keep the OEM look.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Its just nice to have one.. I personally use mine for a reference to how fast im going. Since my speedo is off, i just get to the rpm which i know is 65. Theres nothing wrong with having a tach in an auto vehicle, have you ever heard of shifting a auto manually?? I do it quite often actually.

I shift my auto manually often too. I can hear the exhaust make a certain sound and I know I am at the right rpm to shift. I need to swap my original cluster for the cluster I bought with the tach, because with those 4:10 gears I know the engine is screaming at 65 mph. I need an overdrive...

 

[83kid]

Maybe you need one like this.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1647&page=10

Sick!
Really would love to put one of these in, just not certain i want to spend $129 for a tach.
Was it pretty easy to install, the loss of the warning lights don't effect you at all?

 

[J Knight]

Where do you by this? I want this setup, except my 91 Suburban has warning lights on that side. If I could figure out how to relocate those that might be the best setup to keep the OEM look.

Here is the new link for the tach.

http://www.gmsports.com/content/new-tachometer-1973-1986-chevy-and-gmc-trucks

Sick!
Really would love to put one of these in, just not certain i want to spend $129 for a tach.
Was it pretty easy to install, the loss of the warning lights don't effect you at all?

Its $195, installs easily and I only lost the seat belt light and brake warning light.