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After researching on the forum (thanks) I decided to pick up a Tach that would fit the Empty/dummy slot in my dash. I picked up a Bosch Tach 3-3/8" which I understand is the modern version of the classic SunPro gauge.
I think it fits pretty well and matches relatively nicely to the stock gauges. I may fabricate a plate to mount the gauge behind the dash panel at some later point but this was a simple quick install and Im happy with the results!
Last edited by sjay1989; Aug 14, 2019 at 08:40 AM.
The gauge fit the dash opening well but there was no way to actually fix it to the dash from the front. I did not want the gauge to be loose in the dash. So as a "hack" what I did was wrap the gauge in dollar store rubber drawer lining so that the gauge would fit snug in the opening
Good job. That's essentially what I did back in 1980, but I used several wraps of electrical tape. My brother-in-law did that on his 1968 GTO and passed that tip along to me.
I have zero experience or knowledge of electrical systems, so im hoping everyone can help me understand. The radio/stereo was plugged into BAT connector. I plugged the Tach into the BAT connector and I moved the stereo up to the slot right above it (not sure what its for). Both tach and stereo work. Below is a picture (red wire is Tach and the wire above it with the blue plug is the Stereo). Is this set up okay? I dont want an electrical short or worse, a fire of some sort....
I believe the BAT terminal is hot whether the key is on or off. You want the tach connected to a keyed source that's off when the key is off. If you have an aftermarket digital style stereo, it requires a memory wire that is on when the key is off and a power wire that is on when the key is on.
One of these may be of use in this situation: A few extra of those should be in everyone's toolbox. They would solve some installation problems. Are they available at the auto parts store ?
You have four spade terminals to plug things into. Radio needs 12v with key off, tach needs 12v with key on. Now figure out which terminals are live with key off and on. Get a multimeter or test light and touch each terminal to see what's what.