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Adding tachometer/ dash cluster

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Old May 25, 2023 | 03:20 PM
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Adding tachometer/ dash cluster

Hey all
I have a couple of questions. I need to replace my instrument cluster, so I al taking the opportunity to swap in a unit that has a tachometer (why the hell Ford made a manual truck without one is beside the point).

1) what is involved in wiring it up? Would this be plug and play…and some just don’t use the taxi wiring? Or am I going to have to wire it to the distributor?

2) I want my original mileage to reflect. How do I change the miles on the replacement to show my current?

thanks


1977 F250, 4x2, 400 CI, 4 spd. manual.
 
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Old May 25, 2023 | 03:57 PM
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I've never seen a tack in a 70s pickup but I've heard they were available. If you have the original Duraspark ignition I would think it would plug and play.
 
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Old May 25, 2023 | 04:21 PM
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Consult this thread for factory tach info: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lled-tach.html

The factory service manual may tell you how to reset an odometer, I know I read "how to" somewhere. I've done a couple, it is a bit of a pain to do it. If your replacement is close, spin it with a speedo cable & a drill to get to the mileage you want. Use as high of an RPM drill as you can. 1000RPM's = 60 MPH. I recommend lubing the speedo before you do this. I use a light synthetic oil.
 
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Old May 25, 2023 | 10:49 PM
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Ah come on do you really need a tach to know when to shift? Lol JK Where did you get a 73-79 F100/F150/F250/F350 instrument cluster with a OEM tach? I have NEVER seen one, EVER. Now as far as a 73-79 F600 or F700 different dash and yes they have a tach. And 1980 and up regular pick up truck sure thing. Post up a pic of what you have please.

OEM coil elec C clip has a place (elec connector) to connect the tach, it even says TACH on it, they are pretty basic wiring. Most aftermarket stand alone tachs have a 4,6 or 8 cly setting on the back.

Getting into the replacement instrument cluster to reset/adjust the mileage can be a little tricky. It use to be illegal because car lots would roll back the odometer. There is a latch of some sort (?) that has to be lifted up to be able to adjust the wheels and be careful I believe it can break easy.
 
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Old May 26, 2023 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by KermitDfrawg
Hey all
I have a couple of questions. I need to replace my instrument cluster, so I al taking the opportunity to swap in a unit that has a tachometer (why the hell Ford made a manual truck without one is beside the point).

1) what is involved in wiring it up? Would this be plug and play…and some just don’t use the taxi wiring? Or am I going to have to wire it to the distributor?

2) I want my original mileage to reflect. How do I change the miles on the replacement to show my current?

thanks

1977 F250, 4x2, 400 CI, 4 spd. manual.
Please, for us all, post a picture of this unicorn .... please.

In the '70s I drove many miles hauling mail with a F350, 4 speed, big box body ... no tach, never even thought it needed one. Only ones I ever seen on bumps and dents were column or right of cluster dash mounted.

What's broke on your cluster that requires replacement.?
 
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Old May 26, 2023 | 09:41 AM
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I don't recall ever seeing a Dent with a factory tachometer cluster. But you can do this....




 
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