Anybody here replace the stock clock with a tachometer? If so what model did you use and do you have any pictures? Looks like a simple enough mod to conquer.
Do you mean the stock clock in the dash or the analog clock in the floor console?
The original tachometer is a chunk of junk. I used to save them and now have over a dozen broken ones. The tachometer from a Jeep Cherokee will work if you're creative. I'll post pictures once its installed, but I did figure out how to install it. I used the plastic from the stock clock, removed the guts and shaved down the plastic so it was just the front plate, then etched a half circle from it using a mason jar lid as a stencil. That cut was the hardest part, but lots of passes and patience can make a very neat cut. The half circle and flat bottom exposes the needle and its scale, while providing smooth black filler to make it look original.
The 1992 Jeep Cherokee tachometer comes out of the Jeep dash as a unit. There are three screws in the back that conduct electricity from the copper circuit paper. You can hook the input wires directly to those screws and use it independently.
The aluminum face is too big, but it is easily cut down to size. First I cut off the lip around the edge. Then I used the plastic clock face to mark where two alignment holes need to be drilled at the bottom, as well as to mark the excess that needed to be further trimmed. With care, the end product will look clean and original.
I don't know for sure if that tach works with a 4.2 distributor, but it likely does. I am using it with a fuel injection conversion.
Captspillane, sounds like a great solution for the tach. I can't wait to see the finished product.
I was never impressed with the square OEM tachometers, everyone I've ever seen seemed to get stuck near 2,000.
The XJ tach is a great idea! It just so happens that I've got one sitting on the bench already removed from the cluster.
Keep us posted, I definitely want to see the results!
Sounds like a great idea,Can't wait to see finished product.I purchased a guage cluster with a tach on e bay some time back.Unit looks nice with low miles showing but have not installed it yet for fear that the tach won't work.So I put it away for awhile but after reading this and waiting to see results may have to get it out again and rethink about instalation. Thanks
Here's a pic of a factory tach in case anybody was wondering.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/spf150/Parts/stocktach.png)
Going to play with the XJ Tach tomorrow.
I used a Sun mini tach (2"?) that I installed in a clock delete plate. No pics at the moment, the car's in storage.
I'm going to stick a detailed description in my project thread called "Perkiomen Project Pics." I'll put them up within a week from now. Here are some pictures of what it looks like now. I've only done a rough cut with a grinding wheel of the dremel. The finished edge will be with a stone type dremel grinding tool. I also am thinking about cutting the flat bottom on the facing material much further down so that the "7" is visible. I'm thinking it through before committing and cutting. On this car I'm trying to use both the tachometer and the speedometer to benefit from the trip clock and a fully electric speedo cable. I like the idea of just unplugging the speedometer cable to keep the transfer case fluid plugged up during transmission removal.
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0759.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0753.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0747.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0744.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0742.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0738.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0731.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0730.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0723.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/captspillane/Eagleweb%20Postings/DSCF0716.jpg)
This thread reminds me... I've wondered if the Wagoneer cluster fits. There's always some on the auction site...
(http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/32018290/aview/6387_1_b.JPG) (linked)
Me like!
Quote from: AMCKen on December 12, 2011, 01:10:16 AM
I used a Sun mini tach (2"?) that I installed in a clock delete plate. No pics at the moment, the car's in storage.
OK, got a picture.
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r122/AMCKenA/NC4291.jpg)
Quote from: AMCKen on January 01, 2012, 04:42:06 PM
Quote from: AMCKen on December 12, 2011, 01:10:16 AM
I used a Sun mini tach (2"?) that I installed in a clock delete plate. No pics at the moment, the car's in storage.
OK, got a picture.
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r122/AMCKenA/NC4291.jpg)
I LOVE it! How much room is there behind the clock? Looks great!
Enough for the tach at least. IIRC there's quite a bit of room. : )
Quote from: AMCKen on January 01, 2012, 06:53:50 PM
Enough for the tach at least. IIRC there's quite a bit of room. : )
Thanks! Is that a 2" tach?
Excellent writeup with pics, captspillane. I have a car that has an aftemarket tach installed where the factory tach sat. I'll try to get a pic of it.
The pre-1991 XJ(or was it pre-1990?) dash cluster was not computer controlled, whereas the later ones got their driving information from the fuel injection ECU. That means pre-1991 XJ gauges can be used with direct feeds from sensors, like the signal to the tach from the ign coil, or a oil pressure signal from a sending unit.
Quote from: txjeeptx on January 02, 2012, 11:56:44 AM
The pre-1991 XJ(or was it pre-1990?) dash cluster was not computer controlled, whereas the later ones got their driving information from the fuel injection ECU. That means pre-1991 XJ gauges can be used with direct feeds from sensors, like the signal to the tach from the ign coil, or a oil pressure signal from a sending unit.
Correct! I have a pre '91 tach sitting on my workbench. On the computer board for the tach are hookups for 3 wires like most after market tachs. IIRC ground, positive and the pulse line from the coil and you're good to go. I'll see if I can get a photo.
The rear of this tach from a 1992 has three inputs as well. I'm installing it along with the entire 1992 fuel injection, so I'm not worried, but I did believe that those were the exact same inputs as the earlier tachs. I thought the only difference was that the pre-1991 speedometers had a mechanical cable and the later ones got their speedo feed after it already went to the computer. If the computer does look at the tach feed, I doubt it modifies it before it reaches the tach itself. Anyone scrutinize this before?
In a few months I'll be able to better describe what I had to do to make it work. If you guys have a picture of a pre-1991 unit and its backside, please post it here.
Here's the Tach I'm using on Bucket (pronounced Bouquet)
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l543/ehrmannmp/Stuff/JagTach.jpg)
Ignore the extra wires, The tach itself has the standard 3. This is from a Jag 4.2 and is perfect for the Wag. I'll do a nice writeup and take lots of pics.
Quote from: Zoro on January 02, 2012, 09:26:24 AM
Quote from: AMCKen on January 01, 2012, 06:53:50 PM
Enough for the tach at least. IIRC there's quite a bit of room. : )
Thanks! Is that a 2" tach?
More like 2.5 I think.
Has anyone ever considered a tach from a ford with a 300 inline 6? Here is a picture of an instrument cluster for an 80-86 F150, its appealing because of the 0-6000 RPM range. I'm not sure how the size of the tach compares with the Eagle, but you might be able to use the original Eagle face plate and the rpm's would be relatively close. I think I'll go to the junkyards this weekend and see if I can find one.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/brilliantd/f150instrumentcluster.jpg)
Very nice. I may invest in one and find out.
Hey Vangremlin that looks promising. You might be on to something there.
a tach and trip meter sure would be nice, I'm going to keep an eye on this thread..