[Rocketbird]

Hello

I am looking at installing a Tachometer gauge in the location of the clock on my dash (49 ford club coupe) I am having trouble figuring out what size gauge I would need to fit in the 2 3/4" hole. Any ideas???

[327NUT]

Most aftermarket tachs are 3 3/8" - 5"....BUT there are a few that are smaller, it's up to you to look at all the gauge company's websites. Famous old words used on this forum.....Google is your best friend.

[Rocketbird]

I am trying. So with the smaller gauges the size of the tach is the hole size required?

[crownver]

Gauge sizes are pretty standard, I think. The only one that will fit your opening is 2 1/16". Autometer has a digital one in that size. When I was a kid I had an analog tach in that size. VDO has an analog 2 1/16" here:

Vision Black 6,000 RPM 2 1/16" Tachometer, 12V | Programmable Tachometers | Vision Black | By Series | Instruments | VDO Instruments and Accessories

[Rocketbird]

Would a 2 5/8" gauge work in a 2 3/4" hole? I saw one of those the other day

[boothboy]

If you follow this link it will give you cut out ( hole size ) information.

http://www.autometer.com/download_in...sectn%2009.pdf
BB

[Rocketbird]

Originally Posted by boothboy

If you follow this link it will give you cut out ( hole size ) information.

http://www.autometer.com/download_in...sectn%2009.pdf
BB

Thanks for the chart. I think I am going to abandon the tach in the old clock location. It just does not seem to be my best option. I was just trying to not cut up the dash.

[Irelands child]

Why give up? All you have to do is make yourself an adapter ring - possibly out of aluminum. 2-5/8 hole or even the 2-1/16 version, then make it something like 3" OD(or whatever fits the recess after the clock bezel is removed) and use some small SS screws or even just the supplied bracket to hold it to the dash. I had a '53 Ford that I installed a S-W mechanical oil pressure gauge in the clock hole, and if I can recall that far back, it fit nicely

[E.Furgal]

go for a junkyard crawl..
in the 68-72 chevy truck world..
a lot of people use the 79-81 camaro tach in the spot for the clock.. and it looks factory..
look around.. many factory cars have a tach..
changing the needle color to match isn't hard..
nor is having a vinyl gauge face made to match the look of your build.. to put over the junkyard find..
if you look at my journal, you'll see what I did for spacer rings,, I use wood..

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/jour...age=5&reverse=

[Rocketbird]

an S-W oil pressure gauge? what does the s-w stand for?

Yes a junk yard crawl might be in order. Most of the junk yards in my area crush all the older cars but there might be a few kicking around in the back corners.

I don't really want to give up on my idea it is just that I am not that great at fabricating stuff so if I can find something that is an easy replacement thats usually the way I like to go.

[E.Furgal]

s-w = stewart warner

[Rocketbird]

Originally Posted by E.Furgal

s-w = stewart warner

Ok thanks thats what I figured but I was not 100% sure

[Rocketbird]

I was at the store today with a measuring tape. I found a Tach that I think might work. When I get a chance I will see if I can make it fit/work. Fingers crossed!!! wish me luck!!!

[Rocketbird]

Just an update for you guys. The gauge I bought fit perfectly and it looks good in its place in the old clock location.