At some point in the near future, I am going to have to replace the tach needle in my L46. The tach seems to be ok since the 'stub' on the opposite end appears to move normally with the engine rpm; the long piece is missing altogether. I find it sort of strange that it isn't sitting in the tach face as it appears somebody removed it after it broke off. I am hopful the tach is ok. The prior owner described a very difficult replacement procedure for the $8 tach needle.

Anybody got a step-by-step for this procedure? I would like to pick up the Tach needle when I drive to the NCRS meet in Old Towne later this month.

 

Ted i have a tach from my 74 if you need a needle. i will be at Old Town on Friday!

R

 

Step 1: remove tach from panel
Setp 2: contact http://www.corvetteinstruments.com/ and send tach + $45 for resto in Palm Beach, FL
Step 3: replace tach

Hope this works. cardo0

 

How about a little more detail on steps 1 and 2...

 

Removal of the Dash Panel from the C3 is probably one of the most frustrating jobs there is on these cars, especially the early ones. (Pre 77) The best thing to do is have someone help that has already done this.
I have found that once the column is lowered and all of the screws removed from the dash, the most difficult part is releasing the tach and speedo cables from the guages. All of the "bulbs" must be released from the back of the dash and then it's a matter of gently manipulating the cluster out of the dash. You will also have to release the connector from the back of the headlight switch. Once the cables are released from the cluster, you can gently pull the top of the cluster out and disconnect the connector from the light switch. Also be sure to mark the vacumn hoses to the light switch as they have to go on the way they came off or your headlights will not come up. (You could also release the headlight **** and then just remove the bezel that holds the switch to the dash and let it come out of the cluster and remain in the dash opening while you work on the cluster on your bench.)
Once you have removed the dash cluster it is not too difficult a job to disassemble the cluster to replace the needle. Be gentle, it is easy to damage them. When you go to remove the instruments from the cluster, you also need to be gentle in removing the screws, as many are screwed into plastic and the plastic receivers break very easily, especially on the older clusters. Again be gentle removing them and reinstalling them. This is a good opportunity to clean up the lenses. I've found that if they're not too bad, a bit of tooth paste on a clean cloth works well for cleaning the lenses.
When reinstalling be especially careful of the tripometer cable. It is routed over one of the dash braces so you have to release one end of it to get the cluster out. Many will reconnect the tripometer cable when the dash is out (it seems easiest at that point) then shove it into the dash opening. It will be forced up against the brace and can easily kink, and even damage the speedometer head unit. I attach the cable to the head unit and then feed it over the brace, then fish it out and attach it to the lower part of the cluster after thew dash is fully seated.

Good luck and have patience.

GUSTO

 

Like Gusto said be very gently with those plastic ears. Had to repare mine - just lucky theres such good plastic epoxy nowdays, but still not fun. No one sells replacement plastic tach or speedo housings. Maybe http://www.corvetteinstruments.com can help u there if needed. cardo0

 

Once you get your tach out, which was very well explained by someone else, it is really easy to change the tach needle yourself.

Grasp the needle hub and remove by pulling straight out while twisting it against the (internal to the head unit) zero stop. To install the new one push and twist it on. Use the zero stop to get the needle in the right angular orientation.

Don't even consider Corvette Clocks by Roger!!! Your first try will be better than their low rent work!

 

Thanks All for the good info. I've printed the instructions and plan to also purchase a Service Manual.