View Full Version : Period correct tach ideas?
Bill Rose
01-24-2014, 03:47 AM
I want to put a new steering column mounted tach in my 69 Nova, but I want it to look like a period correct tach that may have been put in the car back in the day. I looked thru tachs on Summit/Jegs until I was delirious. I'd rather stay away from old tachs, and stick with something new, accurate, dependable....Any suggestions?
1969grb
01-24-2014, 03:52 AM
Maybe one of the Sun repops ? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif
Grady
Bill Rose
01-24-2014, 03:58 AM
Yea, I looked at them Grady, but I just wasn't sure what would have been used in the late 60's/early 70's....or were they all period correct? My other concern, is that it has to fit on the column, that doesn't have a lot of room, before it hits the dash.
So I guess I'm looking for a tach that has been installed in a Nova, and it fit.
1969grb
01-24-2014, 04:21 AM
They are period correct..........I used them back then. model
SST-802 Just do not know how accurate the repops are. If it were me I would buy an original and have it rebuilt.
Grady
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310833992553?lpid=82
Check date on back of tach
coleman98
01-24-2014, 04:24 AM
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-14141-9235-image.jpg
U need one like this!
GTO_DON
01-24-2014, 04:49 AM
I have the correct tachs your looking for bill. I even still have the original tach i took out of the gold L78 nova I sold Tom williams. I bought that car off the original owner and it was still on the column. Anyway i have a cabinet full of period correct tachs and gauges. 267-246-6903http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-887-9236-026.jpg
Bill Rose
01-24-2014, 05:18 AM
Thanks guys, but I really want to stick with something new. If I had an old one rebuilt, I'd have to reface it, re-chrome the cup, new lens, and have it rebuilt. I'm gonna get the SST 802, and see how it works. It may have to be off to the side of the column a bit/not a big deal. If this doesn't work out, I'll go for an original.
GTO_DON
01-24-2014, 05:23 AM
Just trying to help. BTW All my tachs are either nos or in mint condition that work as good as the day they were made. all the chrome,glass, and faces are perfect. Thats why they are in that case i pictured. New tachs will never look as good as these will. thats why i hold on to them. Nothing beats them.
68l30
01-24-2014, 11:08 AM
The one thing I don't like about the re-issued tach's is how the needle hangs when the car is not running. It falls way off and does not hang/rest at zero like they did. Minor thing I guess, but another pet peeve of mine....kind of like waiting for a quartz converted clock to "click" like the old contact points did......something's just ain't right!
BIG
chevyman0429
01-24-2014, 11:24 AM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the correct tachs your looking for bill. I even still have the original tach i took out of the gold L78 nova I sold Tom williams. I bought that car off the original owner and it was still on the column. Anyway i have a cabinet full of period correct tachs and gauges. 267-246-6903http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-887-9236-026.jpg
</div></div>
Don,
That's great collection of vintage/NOS tachs very nice!
Keith Seymore
01-24-2014, 12:23 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Rose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want to put a new steering column mounted tach in my 69 Nova, but I want it to look like a period correct tach that may have been put in the car back in the day. I looked thru tachs on Summit/Jegs until I was delirious. I'd rather stay away from old tachs, and stick with something new, accurate, dependable....Any suggestions? </div></div>
Here's a thread from a different forum that goes through some options and might stimulate further thought -
K
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=392461
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/hotrod001/GTO/100_2076.jpg
69 Post Sedan
01-24-2014, 01:04 PM
Bill, you are correct that there isn't a lot of room between the steering column and the dash.
I had a SST-802 tach in my 1968 Nova. Here is a picture of it in case you want to see what it looks like. It does sit a little off to the side as there isn't enough room to have it straight up and down.
These tachs are period correct for the time as I believe they came out in '68 or so....maybe earlier.
Kurt
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-4752-9237-p7224726.jpg
m22mike
01-24-2014, 02:42 PM
Hay Bill, how about something a little differant ?
This one from <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/santa.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-2974-9238-dscf0443.jpg
marxjunk
01-24-2014, 02:57 PM
try jason..supernovass..he has a BUNCH of NOS tachs...im sure he can find ya something..
markjohnson
01-24-2014, 03:55 PM
Auto meter has a very cool retro tach:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto+Meter/105/2897/10002/-1
68l30
01-24-2014, 04:00 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markjohnson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Auto meter has a very cool retro tach:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto+Meter/105/2897/10002/-1 </div></div>
That is pretty cool...I think I'd have to paint the cup black and the bezel silver to be a bit more period looking.
BIG
RogerD
01-24-2014, 06:44 PM
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF6600"><span style="font-size: 17pt">I located a circa '69~'70 NOS Sun SST 802 for my old Chevelle - RPM is spot on, 3 wire easy connect . . .
Maybe someone on SYC has one - if not, try eBay <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif </span></span>
</span>
1974 Granatelli Nova below but this tach is not being manufactured anymore. I think you'll find a lot more options on tachometers if you open your mind to some vintage units. You can't go wrong with the repro Sun Super Tach 802 but if it doesn't do it for you then there ain't many other new choices.
https://secure.finishlinestudios.com/users/www_classiccarsltd_com/files/auto/vehicle/598/NovaRubyHill12810050.jpg
Fast67VelleN2O
01-24-2014, 08:37 PM
Here's a few of mine.
ssl78
01-24-2014, 08:59 PM
I have a nos SST90 Sun tach but it needs a monitor box http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-338-9240-dsc06897.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-338-9241-dsc06891.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-338-9242-dsc06932.jpg
Bill Rose
01-24-2014, 11:32 PM
Yikes! That's a lot more info than I was expecting. I learned a lot. I now know everything there is to know about the old tachs. My concern at this point is the size of the tachs. I'm not sure I want to put a full size tach on the steering column, and have to move it off to the side, and I'm not going to drill any holes in the dash. I have a friend has a nice used Sun tach, that I can use, but the large diameter has me thinking twice.
I have a set of 2 silver face Autometer under the dash, for water temp, & oil pressure. Autometer makes a 2&5/8 dia silver face tach, that goes with that set. Certainly not the old school look I was asking about, but I may go that route for now. Thanks again for all the comments. When my head stops spinning, I can make an educated guess, as to what I want to do.
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/atm-3707_w.jpg
Salvatore
01-24-2014, 11:53 PM
Bill, In 1970 I bought a Sun SST-806 tach and mounted it to the column of my 69 nova with No issue at all. I mounted it hose clamp style right behind the turn signal switch. I had an original steering wheel on my car if that helps. If your column does not rotate you can also mount (which I did) a Sun Oil and temp gauge on either side of the column. I believe Don White has whatever you need and is NOS vintage parts. Next is traction bars and headers!
68l30
01-25-2014, 10:51 AM
Heres my favorite "mini tach" ....pretty tough to find, but nice if you can fit a 3 gauge panel.
BIG
68l30
01-25-2014, 10:56 AM
Heres a few more early Tach choices from Auto Meter ( sticker was on it when I bought it ) , another Mr. G , Faria ( tough to find) , and for the hard core Day Two... Stahl.
BIG
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww101/Plowman7/_3-1_zpszwacop6k.jpeg (http://s710.photobucket.com/user/Plowman7/media/_3-1_zpszwacop6k.jpeg.html)
I was searching ebay last night with your challenge in mind Bill. Came across this fellow selling a group of ST Stage 3 gauges. Thought the yellow would work well with the colors on you Nova.
WILMASBOYL78
01-25-2014, 01:28 PM
Bill...our black 70 L78 survivor 4 spd car had the 8,000 rpm Sun blue line unit on the column...it will move with the reverse lockout so you have to position it correctly for viewing. That tach was put on the car in Dec/69...SW greenline gauges for oil and water were mounted under the dash. I replaced with newer GM performance gauges that are made by Autometer...saving the original stuff for a future effort.
wilma
napa68
01-25-2014, 01:50 PM
I had an NOS mechanical Stewart Warner converted by Classic Insturments to electronic to use in my 67 Nova. I like the way it looks and sure seems to be accurate. In hindsight, it was not too smart.............I had north of $400 invested in it. I can post a pics if you like.
Tim
Plowman
01-25-2014, 04:38 PM
Post pics please Tim.
danachevroletfor1967
01-26-2014, 08:50 PM
I never had a performance car back in the day to put a tach on, but I remember looking at and dreaming about a Sun tach. I think they had a "Mario Andretti" endorsed and model tach which is what I would have bought if I had a car to put it on. I don't know about the quality of re-pop's as compared to original, just saying that if I was looking for a tach now it would definitely be a Sun, preferably an original.
Plowman
01-26-2014, 10:59 PM
Sun was the only tach with the crowd I hung out with. Mine I bought in the 60's is still working great!
Had to look up the Mario reference and found this?
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt57/grspro55/Facebook/Wall%20Photos/251902_3962945719767_1357491985_n.jpg
Check this out, not mine http://columbus.craigslist.org/pts/4310693527.html
Bill Rose
01-30-2014, 12:51 AM
Thanks Dave, but I bought one/just got it today.
Salvatore
01-30-2014, 01:43 AM
which one did you buy Bill?
GTO_DON
01-30-2014, 02:16 AM
these are the two correct tachs used in 1970. The autometer was bought in 69. i have the reciept.http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-887-9360-014.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-887-9361-017.jpg
olredalert
01-30-2014, 02:30 PM
----Don,,,What would you need for the Sun tach? Im assuming it works......Bill S
Bill Rose
01-30-2014, 02:50 PM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By:
[email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">which one did you buy Bill? </div></div>
I decided to go with a smaller diameter tach for several reasons. One, there is very little room above the steering column in a 69 Nova. I also have the reverse lockout steering column, so the tach has to be mounted lower on the column, where there is even less room. I also didn't want the speedometer blocked.
So I got an Autometer tach, that matches the oil/water gauge under the dash. It's a 2&5/8" diameter tach. Even with this smaller dia tach, it's gonna be a tight fit.
Bill, If you would consider an alternative to mounting ot ON the coloum, take a look in the members ride section at my Nova interior shot. I made a bracket and mounted the tach in a pretty good spot, using all factory holes. I tried to find my car in a search, but I'll be damned if I can figure out how to do it.
Xplantdad
01-31-2014, 12:04 AM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TDW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill, If you would consider an alternative to mounting ot ON the coloum, take a look in the members ride section at my Nova interior shot. I made a bracket and mounted the tach in a pretty good spot, using all factory holes. I tried to find my car in a search, but I'll be damned if I can figure out how to do it. </div></div>
It's right Here! (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/205307/Tony_%28TDWZ28%27s%29_1970_SS_Nova#Post205307)
Thanks Bruce. That search thing just doesn't seem to get me anywhere close.
Xplantdad
01-31-2014, 01:02 PM
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif
danachevroletfor1967
01-31-2014, 05:12 PM
Thanks Plowman. That is probably the Mario Andretti tach I remember from my late teen, early 20's years. The memory just ain't what it used to be. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Plowman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Sun was the only tach with the crowd I hung out with. Mine I bought in the 60's is still working great!
Had to look up the Mario reference and found this?
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt57/grspro55/Facebook/Wall%20Photos/251902_3962945719767_1357491985_n.jpg </div></div>
DRCBOWTIE
02-01-2014, 08:38 PM
Is this any help, Fred Gibb 68 COPO Nova with automatic.
http://image.superchevy.com/f/features/8676092%2Bw799%2Bh499%2Bcr1%2Bar0/0505sc_05z%2B1968_chevrolet_copo_nova%2Binterior_v iew.jpg
John Brown
02-01-2014, 09:49 PM
http://image.superchevy.com/f/features/8676092%2Bw799%2Bh499%2Bcr1%2Bar0/0505sc_05z%2B1968_chevrolet_copo_nova%2Binterior_v iew.jpg
chadk
02-01-2014, 10:21 PM
I put an SST-802 Sun tach in my '68 Impala. It has a '69 date on the back and it works great. I need to replace the modern under dash gauges with some period correct units.
Chad
http://i1355.photobucket.com/albums/q707/CTK1968/cars/impala/1968/68%20fastback/IMG_5404_zps2f99ef51.jpg (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/CTK1968/media/cars/impala/1968/68%20fastback/IMG_5404_zps2f99ef51.jpg.html)
napa68
02-02-2014, 10:00 AM
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had an NOS mechanical Stewart Warner converted by Classic Insturments to electronic to use in my 67 Nova. I like the way it looks and sure seems to be accurate. In hindsight, it was not too smart.............I had north of $400 invested in it. I can post a pics if you like.
Tim </div></div>
Here ya go!
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2984_zpsce6ecd7c.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/100_2984_zpsce6ecd7c.jpg.html)
http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/napa68/100_2986_zpscd144caa.jpg (http://s1043.photobucket.com/user/napa68/media/100_2986_zpscd144caa.jpg.html)
Plowman
02-02-2014, 07:57 PM
That does look good and thank you.
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