Seeing as my 71 Cutlass S has a blank 3rd gauge, I’m trying to figure out if there are options for a functional gauge? Is there something original I can put in there or only aftermarket? If so, what would they be? Thanks

 

OK so you have the fuel gauge, the speedometer, and then a blank. That "pod" on the right is for the tach. The factory one is a tach/clock combo, but there was one made that was a tach only, but I don't think it is made anymore.

It was common to have an aftermarket tach in that hole that would stick out past the bezel as that is the cheapest option, but it's just not as clean of an install as one that fits in the dash properly.

 

That is actually the spot for the optional clock. With the Rallye Pack, there was a clock/tach combo. As Randy said, lots of folks (I am one of them) stick an after market tach in that location.

This thread has some pictures of installed tachometers:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...e-dash-133867/

 

Ok thanks guys. Would an original tic tach gauge work if I found one at a reasonable price?


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-72-Old...-/350505517483

 

Or am I better off finding something aftermarket based off pricing? Don’t really need it to look original but I don’t exactly want it to stand out

 

I installed an aftermarket Autometer 3-3/8 tach. It came out okay.

 

Aftermarket 3 and 3/8ths tach or a factory tach. Be forewarned that OEM tachs are not accurate.

 

They can be adjusted. Mine was off a little when I got the car and I used a good digital meter with a tach to adjust it.