Tachometer

My thoughts:
I used to think more gauges the better. Not anymore, I like to keep things simple now. Exception is I would have an auto temp gauge if running an automatic. Required=oil, water temp, volts, fuel. Auto temp if auto. I used to always run a tach and vacuum. Clock is nice to if you don't have a stereo (that's me), but a timex with no strap and a magnet epoxied on stuck to the w/s frame works for me.

I always thought that getting a spare sparton turn signal clamp would be a neat way to mount a tach on the steering column, may have to modify it a little but it is made to clamp on the column so..... I may have an extra come to think of it...

I love autometer for quality BUT BUT BUT the bezels are chrome and rusted out completely in less than a year!!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!! OK for a closed top vehicle but stay away if convertible. I left my top off for almost a year on our 83 CJ-7, and my vacuum, oil, and volts bezels are completely rusted! Stock later Cj gauges are stainless bezels.

I like to shop for vintage stewart warner gauges=STAINLESS BEZELS! Ebay. Not much tach choice there though.

I run the autometer "Z series" (painted/anodized aluminum bezel I think?) in my -5 and so far so good, about 4 years now...

I have an autometer tach in my CJ7 and in my K5 Blazer on the mainland. The CJ7 one is a dash mount and can't remember what line it was, but the glass is domed, and it is an odd size, not 2 1/16", not 3 3/8", and not the same size as the odd size tachs that were stock in the later (76-86) Jeeps, slightly bigger...Blazer is the small column mount..... AND both are 0-6000rpm. I have never had a need for 0-8000 and it is just wasted "sweep" of the needle. I like the smaller scale as it is more usable, why have 0-8000 when I don't think I have ever been passed 5500? I had to pay more though.

That's my nickel.

 

Oh yeah, I have had good luck cutting holes for gauges using a dremel with the little tiny cutoff wheels. Drill a large (1/2") hole in the middle to start and start cutting like a pie, one piece at a time, then use a good sharp round file for final cleanup. I do believe I have a 2" hole around somewhere also.

 

on the highway I never look at the speedometer anymore
the tach reading tells me what speed I'm at

 

Ah...I see. I don't know why I was thinking it should read 12. Probably because I'm an idiot.

 

I never look at the speedo unless the radar detector goes off. Naturally after hitting the brakes!

 

I haven't had a speedo since I bought my jeep. I had been using the tach untill it stopped working reliably. For now I just go with the flow of traffic.

However, I did just recently finish buying all the gauges I needed to make a complete 6 gauge set. I was thinking of making a small dash that would attach to one of my roll cage tubes thats right above the normal dash. I'd position it right behind the steering wheel so its easy to see and read. Unfortunately, it seems I can only realisticly fit the speedo and tach in there with maybe a few indicator lights. The rest of the gauges will have to be in the normal dash. I have found its hard for me to read the gauges in there normal spots. I have to take my eyes off the road for too long.

Oh, I'm using the basic auto meter sport comp gauges.

Kevo