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’69 Tachometer conversion

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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 08:16 PM
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Default ’69 Tachometer conversion

I have done a search on tachometer conversions from mechanical to electrical, not much in the archives. I did see some information about sending my current tach off and having it converted. What I would prefer to do if possible is by a new electronic tach. I have heard that the tachometers in a 75-77 are electronic and are plug and play where my tach is. Is this true? Anyone done this?
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Theiskell
I have done a search on tachometer conversions from mechanical to electrical, not much in the archives. I did see some information about sending my current tach off and having it converted. What I would prefer to do if possible is by a new electronic tach. I have heard that the tachometers in a 75-77 are electronic and are plug and play where my tach is. Is this true? Anyone done this?
Well I dont know about being plug and play, but they will fit in the housing.
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 08:53 PM
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Yes, I've used 77 tach in a 69. Fits like the original. Three wire hookup...1)ignition, 2)ground, 3) coil -ve terminal. It is a good idea to use a tach filter in the wire to the coil.

The letters and numbers on the face are a different style to the 69....perhaps you can swap the face plates?


Joe
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by jyounane
Yes, I've used 77 tach in a 69. Fits like the original. Three wire hookup...1)ignition, 2)ground, 3) coil -ve terminal. It is a good idea to use a tach filter in the wire to the coil.

The letters and numbers on the face are a different style to the 69....perhaps you can swap the face plates?


Joe
Thanks for the info guys! I have heard conflicting information on the tach filter. What exactly does it do? I hope I can change the faceplate. The main thing was,would it fit in the housing.
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:11 PM
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Hmmmmm....I'm sure you can swap the faceplates, just check the markings for rpm are the same....i.e, is 4000 in the same place on both faces?

It definitely fits fine and has all the holes in the right places for the instrument illumination and Brake / Indicator lamps.

I swapped in the speedo from a 77 as well, so i had the speedo and tach matching without swapping faceplates.

The tach filter is to stop the tach from bouncing around due to spikes from the coil, it may also protect the tach circuit from failure. Anyway they are cheap itms from the vendors, I'd put one in!


Joe
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:21 PM
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Sounds good I will get the filter
Do you know if the needle just pulls off or is there a trick?

Whoo hoo sounds like I will be ordering a tach tonight!
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:31 PM
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Default You can make a tach filter about 2 bucks...

with parts from Radio Shack
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Theiskell
I have done a search on tachometer conversions from mechanical to electrical, not much in the archives. I did see some information about sending my current tach off and having it converted. What I would prefer to do if possible is by a new electronic tach. I have heard that the tachometers in a 75-77 are electronic and are plug and play where my tach is. Is this true? Anyone done this?
PM sent
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 09:57 PM
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Yep,

The needle pulls off. You need to be very careful...it is often firmly on the shaft so take care not to break it, pull only on the "hub".

Carriljc....yes easy to build your own....do a search and you'll find the circuit diagram on this forum...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=tach+filter

One thing though!!!!

When you put the needle back on have the ignition on and ground connected and put the needle on at 0 rpm. Otherwise the rpm could be way off when you power it on because it is free to "rest" anywhere unlike the mechanical tach.


Joe
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Old Nov 2, 2007 | 02:10 AM
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Originally Posted by jyounane
Yep,

The needle pulls off. You need to be very careful...it is often firmly on the shaft so take care not to break it, pull only on the "hub".

Carriljc....yes easy to build your own....do a search and you'll find the circuit diagram on this forum...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=tach+filter

One thing though!!!!

When you put the needle back on have the ignition on and ground connected and put the needle on at 0 rpm. Otherwise the rpm could be way off when you power it on because it is free to "rest" anywhere unlike the mechanical tach.


Joe
Thanks for the link it is a big help. I will just build my own
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