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I have a 77 f150 with a 351M and a manual trans. i bought it recently and i still can't get over the fact that it doesn't have a tach in it. Does anyone know how to install one? i'm doing fine driving by ear and feel but i'd like it anyway.
In order of escalating price- most go with a tach mounted on the steering column or dash, build a custom gauge panel (or buy one on eBay), or go with something like a Dakota Digital gauge cluster replacement.
In 77 a truck was a workhorse. No one gave a rats *** about a tach in a pick up truck. Hell, most cars didn't even have one.
Installing a tach is easy. Buy one, the hook it up. You need four connections: ground, 12v key on power, 12v from the dash light circuit and negative coil.
and i still can't get over the fact that it doesn't have a tach in it.
I'd guess to keep things cheaper no tach was designed in by Ford in 73-79 F100, F150, F250, F350 trucks? Then in the 80's some smart guy figured out that staying in a certain RPM range gave you better MPH. Actually some of our trucks came with a Low Fuel Economy light...can not remember if that light was on standard trans trucks only?
The "when to shift, by ear" technique is something I thought that most fathers taught their sons at a young age. Like during their 1st driving lesson, say around 12 to 14. A good ol farm truck was always a 3 (on the tree) or 4spd. And you had to know how to drive it to help with chores. Also back in the day you did not need a light to tell you, you had the park brake on and or left your headlights on. Or a stupid chime to remind you the key is in the ignition. And the biggie, you could start it with the clutch OUT...
Even when you bought a large F700 the tach didn't come with standard equipment cab. Drove both a cab over and F series as milk trucks with standard cab and no tach.
Actually some of our trucks came with a Low Fuel Economy light...can not remember if that light was on standard trans trucks only?
Nope, automatics too. 1975 only IIRC. It was a simple vacuum switch. When disconnected from a vacuum source, it stays on all the time (ask me how I know). The orange glare in my face at night is a little obnoxious, but it makes me giggle a little every time I drive my truck.
Some people call them "worry gauges". As long as my oil pressure and temp gauges are working, I'm happy. Shifting by sound and feel, to me, is more manly. You become apart of your machine rather than your machine telling you information. But that's just me.
Imagine shrinking the speedo face down so it would fit in the left AC vent area. Replace the MPH with RPM. Rig up an aftermarket tach behind that face. Figure out a lens & you could have a factory appearing tach. Someday when I have spare time.....
I've never been a fan of the stock instrument cluster. Someday, I'd like to do something similar this, but I'd actually aim the gauges at your face. I think you could squeeze 6 smaller gauges in there, along with the speedo and tach, with some careful measuring.
This is genius. I know you posted this in 2018 but would love to know if the tach you put in your dash had a locking nut on the back? If so what brand? If not how did you secure it to the dash. Also love the steering wheel
It's an Autometer gauge. I just used a hole saw to cut the dash panel. The gauge is attached in the same way it would attach to any gauge panel and the parts come with the gauge. (A U shaped bracket that fits over studs in the back of the gauge. You tighten nuts on the studs to pull the gauge up snug to the panel face).
The steering wheel was a lucky find - original sport wheel option.
I've installed similar gauges in the dash... I bought a separate tapered bezel kit to put under these gauges so they tilt towards the driver.
It's an Autometer gauge. I just used a hole saw to cut the dash panel. The gauge is attached in the same way it would attach to any gauge panel and the parts come with the gauge. (A U shaped bracket that fits over studs in the back of the gauge. You tighten nuts on the studs to pull the gauge up snug to the panel face).
The steering wheel was a lucky find - original sport wheel option.
I've installed similar gauges in the dash... I bought a separate tapered bezel kit to put under these gauges so they tilt towards the driver.
NICE! Thank you sir. I will be doing this very soon. It looks way better than the ones people put on the column. I love this site and the people on it.
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No tach???
