If I should want to replace my in-dash tach with the Rallye clock, where can I mount a 3 3/4" tach like an Auto Meter or Super Tach II? My steering column is the floor shift tilt column and the rear hub rotates with floor shift movement? I need to keep that function as it determines the start positions and reverse lock-out. The rest of the column doesn't look like it has room for the clamp to hold the tach on. How are you guys mounting tachs?
My 1971 350 4-speed car had a Sun round tach mounted to the column. The previous owner had set it so it was level in the non-reverse position. It dropped just below the clock and was visible through the wheel. I ditched the clock when I installed a tilt column and put my factory tach from my Stage 1 car in the dash of the 71. I installed a repro tach in the Stage 1 car. Once upon a time, I tried to mount a tach over the accessory switch block-off plate where the rear defog/convertible top switches go. With the dash pad off, I mounted a flat metal plate on the metal dash that stuck out from the plastic dash but not past the pad. It worked but it wobbled/vibrated while driving. It was not rigid enough. A smaller 2 5/8" tach might have worked better due to being lighter. Or you might have a better effort at securing it than I did. It was MANY years ago when I tried. Tachs might be lighter now.
Maybe try a smaller tachometer. Mount it somewhere other than the steering column. https://www.autometer.com/2-5-8-tac...V-QiICR3QmgsqEAQYASABEgIX0vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Every time my buddies and I see a column mounted tach we laugh and walk away, it seems so ridiculous that a guy has $40k for the rest of the car but couldn’t find $200 for a factory tach. Not really your deal going on here just thought I would share and opinion. As to you dilemma, maybe you need to determine which is priority one, RPMs or the time of day? If you need both then I would suggest a hood tach, they look great and solves your problem, and my friends and I will still admire your ride when we see it!
Here's how mine was mounted in the locked position. I agree, there is no room on the non-moving part of the column.
Well, if you don't admire my car at a show, I'll probably never know it, will I? However, my car didn't come with a dash tach and I only took the clock out because I had an original GSX tach from a 1971 X car. Now that that tach has given up the ghost I'm considering putting the original Rallye clock back in since the interior is totally original (except for recovering the buckets). So, my choices are either the steering column or the hood tach. If you lived during the 60s, like I did, it was very common to see tachs over the steering column and I don't recall anyone "laughing or walking away" after seeing it. Just saying.
I remember having a tach on my '70 convertible and whenever I would shift it would move another notch to the left. I might be able to live with that. Thanks for the pics. Brought back memories.
Your in-dash tach can be repaired and nobody would be the wiser. The repro tach is pretty good. I put it in my 70 Stage because it has an aftermarket ignition that didn't register properly on the factory tach.
Yes, I also have an aftermarket ignition, the Small Cap HEI conversion by Dave Ray so that may be one reason why my factory tach never worked right. I might consider the upgrade/repair route if I can get up the courage to remove and replace that tach again. It was a royal pain in th a.....!
yes you are correct, we all did it back in the day because we had no money and little options, and sorry if you are offended by our opinions but in this day and age and seeing it still done these days to $40k plus cars with such a cheap way of doing something. We were taught if something’s worth doing it’s worth doing right.......please don’t let our silly options bother you, your car your way always. It’s like putting an LS motor in a Buick, well we will laugh all the time every time and the devil may care.
Laugh away. Tach is oriented so I can see rpms coming close to shift point. Shift light is insurance. Arming toggle and light on right are for line-lock. 70 Skylark with floor shift column non-tilt......JIM I don't use my idiot lights, aftermarket guages under dash, but , I do have to remember to check the fuel guage ....
I can tell you my car isn't worth 40k. I have a 5" tach on my column and i drag race the hell out of it. The factory tach is worthless at the track. You guys can laugh at me all you want when you're admiring the cheap chrome on my rear bumper..
Though I've never done it, I've seen all sizes of tachs mounted to both the A pillar and, believe it or not, to the rear view mirror stalk.
