Best RPM Range Tach?

[1969_CM2590D]

I'll be getting a tach for the 305E, Obviously 8000 and 10000 are about laughable for the motor. Maybe 4000-6000?

[bigblockv6]

You can get a reproduction 5000 rpm tach for your 69 that fits in the spot between the speedometer and fuel gauge.

[1969_CM2590D]

Thanks. I saw those and they even can be had with the vacuum gauge. I gave it serious consideration. But the truck is pretty original and it has the idiot light instrument cluster. So I think I want to go with some period looking aftermarket gauges- one of which being a clamp on tach for the steering column...

[bigblockv6]

The vacuum gauge used in 67-72 trucks was really useless because it's purpose was intended for larger series trucks with the Hydrovac unit. I put a clock from an 81-87 C/K series truck in that location on my 68. The GMC 68 owner's manual actually listed an optional Bat-O-Meter for that as well, again it was one of those things that never caught on because nobody really knew about it.

[1969_CM2590D]

Yes, the vacuum gauge. Dad had to rent a '75 Impala from the dealer while our '72 Impala was getting accident repairs done. The '75 had a "fuel economy gauge" that rattled and quivered while you drove. Pretty annoying. The gauge face told you whether economy was poor or excellent as the needle moved. A gimmick in the wake of the '73 oil crisis. It flanked the speedo opposite the fuel gauge, replacing the clock. I asked Pop how it worked. He answered, "Oh, it's just a vacuum gauge" and I learned a little something.

I've always thought "Oil Temp" would be more useful in that hole in the truck cluster. Or if you have rigged an auxiliary tank setup- a second fuel gauge.

[ab positive bulldogs]

Originally Posted by 1969_CM2590D

Thanks. I saw those and they even can be had with the vacuum gauge. I gave it serious consideration. But the truck is pretty original and it has the idiot light instrument cluster. So I think I want to go with some period looking aftermarket gauges- one of which being a clamp on tach for the steering column...

Not sure what would be a "period looking" tach would look like but this is what i used...picked it up at a swap meet for $5

[kieth]

Why not use what would have come in your truck. I found a sun tach 5000rpm and a sun batometer, installed them in my stock dash (just added a touch of chrome and a little crinkle black to dress it out.) My build is not completely stock but the dash is quasi stock.......Kieth


after adding new gauges:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-X8WmmMg


before adding new gauges: mine is a 66
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-prjBSsx


my truck after rebuild:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-dJxggwv

[kieth]

I posted links to my photos of a sun tach and a sun batometer that I installed in my 66 gmc. The post did not show up......?????? what is the deal.......????

had the stock instrument panel chrome plated and then painted the flat panel crinkle black. Added the sun tach and batometer......just a little bit better than stock.
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-X8WmmMg/A


view from outside the cab before:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-prjBSsx/A

view after the rebuild:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-FCsG9GR/A

another view:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-rjGkFPB/A

[Funky61]

Keith, I see them and they look fantastic!

[kieth]

Oh I see them now, guess the moderator did not trust my post enough to let it through the first time.....ha ha Kieth