Project underway - tachometer/clock conversion for 69

ccihon

I saw a cheap tach available and decided that since my clock was non-working and the PO had cracked it open before, I'd take a shot at converting the inexpensive unit for use in place of the clock. I made up a new face to look the part, painted the orange needle white, and modified the illumination fro the blue leds to accept the original bulb socket. I used the clock chrome ring, and painted the frame ring flat black.

The unit: http://www.amazon.com/Docooler-Tachometer-Gauge-Ho...=52mm+tach

It looks quite good in the dash, but the quality of the tach is pretty low - it doesn't suffer modification well, and is an 8K tach, so not well suited. Also, it calls attention to just how dirty the other gauges are.

I may place silver disk over the pointer hub like the fuel gauge has, or possible modfy the range so I use more of the sweep. It does have settings for 4, 6, and 8 cylinder, but think using the other settings may go the wrong way for what I'm looking for.

Still tweaking, and will keep you posted! It beats the old clock stuck at 3:30!

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

capitolatim · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 3:41 pm Post subject: Good Work

I've got the same situation on my 70. Tell us how you made the face, looks very good.

Cheers
Tim

ccihon · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:00 pm Post subject:

I scanned the original face, and made another in Illustrator, printed on a dye sub photo printer, and sprayed with matte clear spray. I will post a PDF of my design if anyone wants it.

Miaghia · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:16 pm Post subject: cool!

very nice mod! I did the same on a 1960's Buick Tach. I may undertake the same in my car

capitolatim · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:56 pm Post subject: Yes, please post

ccihon · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:03 am Post subject: Artwork

Here is a three-up version of the face I made for this tach - you can print at 100%. I used thick photopaper and then sprayed with a matte clear spray.

http://www.cihon.net/TACHFACE1.pdf

malley56 · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:11 am Post subject:

What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing the pdf. I'm definitely gonna give it a shot on my 71.

You could seriously make some cash on conversions.

Great job!

c21darrel · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:50 pm Post subject:

You do such nice work... Very Happy

VDO makes 2 1/16 tachs that work well. Worth the investment.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/vdo-gauges/part-type/tachometer-gauges
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ccihon · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:02 pm Post subject:

I considered those as choices - and even saw somebody on classifieds is selling one with a chrome ring and white needle modification from NHS - but that one is $150, the stock black/orange is a hundred bucks - this is like 12 bucks.

I also designed a face that is patterned after the stock VW gauges rather than generic. I was taking less risk cracking this thing open than one I invested a hundred bucks in. But then I'm cheap.

djway3474 · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 2:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for this. I have a friend wanting to change out the clock. I no longer have my Alps printer but now with the artwork we can get it done, somehow.
I did my lowlight clock conversion with a broken clock. Luckily I found a printed face for that.


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