as rare as hens teeth. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

davidh · 09-21-2007, 12:33 AM

Today I see this 82 or so 3/4 ton truck on a flat bed and its going to the crusher. Instinct says to pull over climb up and check it out. Low and behold it had the tachometer guage cluster. I couldnt believe it. I've seen maybe no more than 4 of these in person. They seem more rare than the ones on 67-72's. How often do you guys see them?

Srubydo1986 · 09-21-2007, 07:45 AM

never seen one

ChaseDale3and8 · 09-21-2007, 09:37 AM

I haven't seen that many either. Maybe 3 of them ever. I have a set from an earlier truck. Not sure what year they are from. Maybe a 78-79 as far as I can tell. Mine don't look like that, they have the blue lines on them, that's why I believe they have to be 78 or 79. That, and the fact that the oil pressure gage is electronic instead of mechanical.

I believe that all of the tach gages are rare. You just don't see all that many of them no matter what year of truck they came from. From what I've been able to find out, the later ones like the set that you have are even more rare than the ones like mine. That was a very nice score! Good thing that you looked! You never know where those tach gages might turn up!

I had been looking for a set like yours since I bought my 86. The set that I have was given to me by a friend of mine. I have been told that they will work in my 86, but will look incorrect for the year. I don't really care about the look that much as long as they work! As soon as I figure out exactly what year of truck that mine came from I'm going to order the harness that I need for it since the harness didn't come with mine.

One more thing that do know about the tach gage is that the 6 cylinder and the V8 are different since the 6 revs up at a different speed than a V8, and the tach will read incorrectly as a result. I don't know how to tell by looking whether a set came from a 6 or V8 truck. Maybe someone else here knows how to tell the difference since they all look identical.

I have been told that these gages were also used in C-60 series trucks. I don't know if that is true for sure or not, but if it is, it would be another source to find these tach gages. Maybe somebody here knows if this is true or not as well. ...Joe

KMK454 · 09-21-2007, 09:47 AM

If I could change anything about my truck, it'd have a 4-speed on the floor, a 350 instead of a 305, and a FACTORY TACH!

killthewabbit · 09-21-2007, 09:14 AM

Me neither, except on here.

bigblock73 · 09-21-2007, 09:21 AM

Tach clusters aren't too hard to find...not like factory pickup bucket seats and the tracks!

knightlife · 09-21-2007, 10:50 AM

good find breh... lemme know if you wanna get rid of it lol... I can pick it up in november lol.

when I go back home, Im gonna be diggin thru my fav old junkyard for stuff to ship to myself

TexasJeff · 09-21-2007, 11:18 AM

From what I understand, more heavy duty trucks 3/4 and up with manual trannys got the factory tach, very few auto trans ever had them.

abebummy26 · 09-21-2007, 11:30 AM

Not all of them did because I was in a truck day before yesterday I was in a 78 3/4 that was a 4sp and it did not have a tach.

Prerunner1982 · 09-21-2007, 11:31 AM

and to think I could have had a 78 or 79 shortbed with sport bumpers, sport mirrors, buckets, and tach dash... for $1200.. Body needed work and wasnt the cleanest truck I had ever seen but for options alone it would have been worth it.. oh well.. Only one I have ever seen in person though..

Goodie · 09-21-2007, 01:36 PM

super nice

dmkscott · 09-21-2007, 02:03 PM

I had one in my 81 4x4 camper special 1ton 4speed that I bought for a parts truck. I sold the cluster for 150.00. Did you get the wiring I guess it is very important to grab the wiring for the Tach.

davidh · 09-21-2007, 02:20 PM

I cut all the harness from behind the plug a ways. this truck was getting a car loaded on top of it so my time was very limited.

dmkscott · 09-21-2007, 02:35 PM

If I remember correctly the fellow that bought it said there was a stint in the wire and it will not work without it. I am sure you could purchase one, if it is needed I am not sure just going buy what I was told? Great find though it is nice to have a storey behind the parts you build you rig with! I don't think that they are rare but it does take some time to find them, anything that takes time and effort is worth $$
Any one know about the Tach wiring for sure?

Jonboy · 09-21-2007, 02:40 PM

There is a filter to prevent electrical spikes that is usually attached to the firewall right behind the distributor. There is a wire coming out of both ends; one connects to the "TACH" terminal on the distributor, and the other goes to the tach. These are not pickup only, they can be found on most GM V8 cars with a tach.

Prong · 09-21-2007, 05:55 PM

It's not required to have the filter to operate. I don't on my 79 SB. All you need is 3 wires: 12v ignition hot, ground, and a lead to the tach terminal on the distributor.

68GMC454 · 09-21-2007, 05:56 PM

man i wish i could find one of thee for my 76 crewcab....for now im not gonna use a tach, but if i found one lie this, id get ti if i could

ChaseDale3and8 · 09-21-2007, 09:20 PM

These are the wiring harnesses that I ws referring to earlier. They show them for several different years, just click on the one that you need. ...Joe

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/products.asp?dept=748

They only show up to 1982. Did they quit offering the tach as an option after 1982?

bigblock79 · 09-21-2007, 10:50 PM

they are not that rare. but they are few and far apart. my mama truck had one and my truck got one and i bought one for my other truck. i want on for a 84 and i be done

1975stepside · 09-21-2007, 11:16 PM

You said it was headed for the crusher. So, did they crush the truck or not??????? With the gauges still inside?

**N2TRUX** · 09-22-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidh

.... How often do you guys see them?

Every time I get in my 77 Cheyenne...

PhilaTruck · 09-23-2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Every time I get in my 77 Cheyenne...

Showoff!

greenhorn · 09-23-2007, 01:12 AM

funny
just tonight
i happen upon a car show as i was driving down the highway.
looking for a possible 67-72 mixed in. yes one i'll post that soon W/ pic
anyway he mention some parts he has. a dash cluster w/ a tach woodgrain
i havn't been to his place yet to see it. or if i want it. what would be a fair price
he mentioned being in an upcomming issue of a popular truck magizine not sure of the name.
i will try to watch for it.

09-21-2007, 12:33 AM	#1
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	as rare as hens teeth. Today I see this 82 or so 3/4 ton truck on a flat bed and its going to the crusher. Instinct says to pull over climb up and check it out. Low and behold it had the tachometer guage cluster. I couldnt believe it. I've seen maybe no more than 4 of these in person. They seem more rare than the ones on 67-72's. How often do you guys see them? Attached Images __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

09-21-2007, 07:45 AM	#2
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: as rare as hens teeth. never seen one __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. *1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one

09-21-2007, 09:37 AM	#3
ChaseDale3and8 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield Mo. Posts: 1,086	Re: as rare as hens teeth. I haven't seen that many either. Maybe 3 of them ever. I have a set from an earlier truck. Not sure what year they are from. Maybe a 78-79 as far as I can tell. Mine don't look like that, they have the blue lines on them, that's why I believe they have to be 78 or 79. That, and the fact that the oil pressure gage is electronic instead of mechanical. I believe that all of the tach gages are rare. You just don't see all that many of them no matter what year of truck they came from. From what I've been able to find out, the later ones like the set that you have are even more rare than the ones like mine. That was a very nice score! Good thing that you looked! You never know where those tach gages might turn up! I had been looking for a set like yours since I bought my 86. The set that I have was given to me by a friend of mine. I have been told that they will work in my 86, but will look incorrect for the year. I don't really care about the look that much as long as they work! As soon as I figure out exactly what year of truck that mine came from I'm going to order the harness that I need for it since the harness didn't come with mine. One more thing that do know about the tach gage is that the 6 cylinder and the V8 are different since the 6 revs up at a different speed than a V8, and the tach will read incorrectly as a result. I don't know how to tell by looking whether a set came from a 6 or V8 truck. Maybe someone else here knows how to tell the difference since they all look identical. I have been told that these gages were also used in C-60 series trucks. I don't know if that is true for sure or not, but if it is, it would be another source to find these tach gages. Maybe somebody here knows if this is true or not as well. ...Joe __________________ I'm not speedin'! I'm qualifyin'!

09-21-2007, 09:47 AM	#4
KMK454 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 440	Re: as rare as hens teeth. If I could change anything about my truck, it'd have a 4-speed on the floor, a 350 instead of a 305, and a FACTORY TACH! __________________ Kurt Instagram: @kurtkphoto 1978 C10 Silverado 1991 Camaro B4C

09-21-2007, 09:14 AM	#5
killthewabbit Spear and magic helmet! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,226	Re: as rare as hens teeth. Me neither, except on here. __________________ -- Will

09-21-2007, 09:21 AM	#6
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: as rare as hens teeth. Tach clusters aren't too hard to find...not like factory pickup bucket seats and the tracks! __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-21-2007, 10:50 AM	#7
knightlife Dark Heart Motorsports Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29404 DKFX Posts: 683	Re: as rare as hens teeth. good find breh... lemme know if you wanna get rid of it lol... I can pick it up in november lol. when I go back home, Im gonna be diggin thru my fav old junkyard for stuff to ship to myself __________________ How Deep Can YOU Bleed..? 1985 Chevy Blazer K5- 6.2 N/A, 400 turbo trans CUCV, 12v converted... a new chapter 2005 GMC Sierra Crew Cab 6.0 powwwaa!!! custom jumpseat install w/ captain seats, Hypertech tuner, MSD Blaster Coils, CB and twin antenna's, all electric interior, touch screen in dash. custom center console, with jump seat replacing original console. 1500 HD!

09-21-2007, 11:18 AM	#8
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: as rare as hens teeth. From what I understand, more heavy duty trucks 3/4 and up with manual trannys got the factory tach, very few auto trans ever had them. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually

09-21-2007, 11:30 AM	#9
abebummy26 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Haven, MO Posts: 1,243	Re: as rare as hens teeth. Not all of them did because I was in a truck day before yesterday I was in a 78 3/4 that was a 4sp and it did not have a tach. __________________ -Lincoln 1987 GMC S15 (soon to be a chevy clone) 2.5l, 4 speed, no ps, no pb, no ac Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver. Spoken by Cletus the hillbilly I like stickers... a whole bunch. Last edited by abebummy26; 09-21-2007 at 11:33 AM.

09-21-2007, 11:31 AM	#10
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: as rare as hens teeth. and to think I could have had a 78 or 79 shortbed with sport bumpers, sport mirrors, buckets, and tach dash... for $1200.. Body needed work and wasnt the cleanest truck I had ever seen but for options alone it would have been worth it.. oh well.. Only one I have ever seen in person though.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call Last edited by Prerunner1982; 09-21-2007 at 11:31 AM.

09-21-2007, 01:36 PM	#11
Goodie Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dayton Posts: 75	Re: as rare as hens teeth. super nice

09-21-2007, 02:03 PM	#12
dmkscott New Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 32	Re: as rare as hens teeth. I had one in my 81 4x4 camper special 1ton 4speed that I bought for a parts truck. I sold the cluster for 150.00. Did you get the wiring I guess it is very important to grab the wiring for the Tach.

09-21-2007, 02:20 PM	#13
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	Re: as rare as hens teeth. I cut all the harness from behind the plug a ways. this truck was getting a car loaded on top of it so my time was very limited. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

09-21-2007, 02:35 PM	#14
dmkscott New Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 32	Re: as rare as hens teeth. If I remember correctly the fellow that bought it said there was a stint in the wire and it will not work without it. I am sure you could purchase one, if it is needed I am not sure just going buy what I was told? Great find though it is nice to have a storey behind the parts you build you rig with! I don't think that they are rare but it does take some time to find them, anything that takes time and effort is worth $$ Any one know about the Tach wiring for sure?

09-21-2007, 02:40 PM	#15
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: as rare as hens teeth. There is a filter to prevent electrical spikes that is usually attached to the firewall right behind the distributor. There is a wire coming out of both ends; one connects to the "TACH" terminal on the distributor, and the other goes to the tach. These are not pickup only, they can be found on most GM V8 cars with a tach.



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09-21-2007, 05:55 PM	#16
Prong Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: CO Posts: 475	Re: as rare as hens teeth. It's not required to have the filter to operate. I don't on my 79 SB. All you need is 3 wires: 12v ignition hot, ground, and a lead to the tach terminal on the distributor.

09-21-2007, 05:56 PM	#17
68GMC454 THE VILLIAGE IDIOT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tooele, Utah Posts: 1,405	Re: as rare as hens teeth. man i wish i could find one of thee for my 76 crewcab....for now im not gonna use a tach, but if i found one lie this, id get ti if i could __________________ honestly honey,,i have no idea how that truck got here.

09-21-2007, 09:20 PM	#18
ChaseDale3and8 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield Mo. Posts: 1,086	Re: as rare as hens teeth. These are the wiring harnesses that I ws referring to earlier. They show them for several different years, just click on the one that you need. ...Joe http://www.brotherstrucks.com/products.asp?dept=748 They only show up to 1982. Did they quit offering the tach as an option after 1982? __________________ I'm not speedin'! I'm qualifyin'! Last edited by ChaseDale3and8; 09-21-2007 at 09:22 PM.

09-21-2007, 10:50 PM	#19
bigblock79 67 Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jonesville NC Posts: 836	Re: as rare as hens teeth. they are not that rare. but they are few and far apart. my mama truck had one and my truck got one and i bought one for my other truck. i want on for a 84 and i be done __________________ 1967 Chevy stepside 1976 BIG DOOLEY 454 turbo 400 4:11

09-21-2007, 11:16 PM	#20
1975stepside Stepside Fanatic! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Wenatchee, WA Posts: 60	Re: as rare as hens teeth. You said it was headed for the crusher. So, did they crush the truck or not??????? With the gauges still inside?

09-23-2007, 01:12 AM	#23
greenhorn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: northeast pa Posts: 30	Re: as rare as hens teeth. funny just tonight i happen upon a car show as i was driving down the highway. looking for a possible 67-72 mixed in. yes one i'll post that soon W/ pic anyway he mention some parts he has. a dash cluster w/ a tach woodgrain i havn't been to his place yet to see it. or if i want it. what would be a fair price he mentioned being in an upcomming issue of a popular truck magizine not sure of the name. i will try to watch for it. Last edited by greenhorn; 09-23-2007 at 01:25 AM.

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