I'd like to install a tach in the 78, and maybe the 79. They both have factory tilt columns with automatic transmission.

I like the big dial tach, but could live with a smaller dial. I would rather have it mounted higher than lower, meaning speedo level or above would be preferable to underside of the dash. I don't want it on top of the dash pad

I like digital, and I'm really not fond of the mount I usually see-a giant worm drive band clamp on the column. Anybody have any cool ideas?

 

I recall you have AC.. I was gonna recommend it be installed in the typically blank area next to the cluster where that crown symbol is cast.

Otherwise, fab up a tube clamp like for a GoPro... could use a connecting rod and rod cap {HINT!}

 

Camo duct tape.

 

Is there room on the column to mount it without it moving with the shifter collar? Usually the tach manufacturer will include a bracket for mounting.

 

I saw in one of the truck part vendor catalogs (NPD I think) they offered a reproduction Mustang "Rally Pack" that could be used in a truck. It has a clock & tach in a housing that attaches to the steering column. Expensive, but it looked pretty good. Have to use your imagination to picture it in your truck.
Black Rally Pac V8 8000 RPM 66 Ford Mustang 65 w GT Option Pony Interior Hipo | eBay

 

If you have a non-AC truck you can mount is directly to the left of the steering wheel were a vent would normally go. That's what I did and I love it. It looks really clean and it's in a very easy place to read it. I can't remember the exact size of the tach, but it's an AutoMeter and it fits great. obviously AC trucks are more difficult to mount tachs. Some people have made mounting pods that they put next to the C-pillar if you don't want to use hose clamps and zip ties to mount to the column.

 

Thanks for the suggestion-that setup is pretty nifty, but also pretty spendy. At $400, I'd probably go with the $600 Dakota Digital dash...




It's way cool, but I really was hoping to keep it in the $100-200 range

Yes, the trucks have A/C

 

There is this bare Rally Pack housing as an option. Add a tach, & another gauge. But, it looks like you could build one from PVC pipe & some scrap for lots less, if you are handy. Search ebay for Mustang Rally Pack, there are some different ones out there, some are cheaper. I'm not sure if any would be a direct fit, it depends on the column size. Custom Rally Pac for 1965 1966 Mustang Unpainted | eBay

 

The guy with the 3D printed rally pac is literally minutes from my house and I've been kicking around swinging by to see if it will fit my truck for a while now... If I do test it out I'll report back.

I know you said you want it up high, but I put mine under the dash to keep from having to cut anything:



I really need that 10k Monster tach with shift light to keep close tabs on my stock 300 I6 don'tcha know!

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

My current thought is to go with the Summit three mechanical gauge set with 2-5/8" gauges. That comes with a mechanical oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge. I'll leave out the voltage gauge and put the Bosch tach in its place



Bosch 2-5/8" tach



Summit mechanical gauge set

Before you say "ya know, you can get a two gauge set for less", yes, I do know that, but I can't find a three hole bracket (for 2-5/8" gauges) for the price difference

 

How about a dash-pad mounted Shelby Tach Pod? ...

 

Like this?



While that certainly is cool, it kind of detracts from the stock look of the cab that I enjoy so much!

i don't really like the under-dash gauges either, but they're fairly unobtrusive, and much more useful than the factory gauges!

 

Ah OK... just another option that is Fordesque.

 

I've been looking at the aluminum cluster face panels on ebay...they have round holes for guages and install in place of the factory sqare guages. Pretty cool, and not too expensive. Buying all new gauges would cost a few bucks tho. I like the vintage-looking Stewart Warner pieces.

Not fer nuthin', but whenever I buy a triple guage set I install a vaccum guage in place of the ammeter...it's a much more useful tool, IMO.

 

Meh. I lived with the hose clamp.