Tach Install Advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Zilverado* · 01-31-2003, 01:44 PM

OK, so it looks as if I will be buying and trying to install a tach in my truck in the next couple of weeks.

Just wanted to survey the masses for any tips. The tach is a 2" diameter. I'm not sure where I'll mount it. I'd love to actually put it in the instrument panel (have a free space where the oil dummy light usually is), but I'm not sure yet.

What I really want is tips on wiring it up. Is this a simple process? I've read that you connect it to the distributor. Are these connections easy to access? How about wiring up the light?

I assume many of these questions might be answered once I actually buy the tach, but I thought I'd get some "first hand" advice.

Thanks for the help.

PHOENIX · 01-31-2003, 01:48 PM

Hooking up the tach is easy. You will most likely need to provide power (12volt) to the tach, a ground, and a lead from the distributor cap. If the tach has a light you will also have two wires for the light. You can jump off the factory harness so that the tach light will dim and bright with your stock gauges (im not talking about a shift light, im talking about the back light). The tach wire can plug right into the side of the cap, there is a port titled/labeled "tach". All you need is a full insulated female spade connector. Crimp it to the wire and slide it onto the blade. You will see wires going into the side of the cap. Its right there, just look close and youll see it. The wires come into the cap on the drivers side. The blades are on the under side of the cap where the square piece comes off to the side. Hope that helps.

LOHRTBT · 01-31-2003, 01:51 PM

Yeah man its really easy.

If I can do it you sure can!! haha
I put mine in the corner of my dash

*Zilverado* · 01-31-2003, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. Sounds like a fun project, and I'm very much looking forward to being able to keep an eye on the RPM while on the highway, towing, etc. Just one more way to monitor performance and help identify problems. Now I just want to get a tranny temp gauge.

Hey Phoenix,
Do you have any idea what colour the dimmer wire is in the headlight harness? I guess I can play around with my circuit tester, but I thought I'd ask.

79BIG10 · 01-31-2003, 04:18 PM

On my stock radio dimmer it was grey

Might look near the radio for that wire that may not be connected to anything then.

*Zilverado* · 01-31-2003, 04:22 PM

Great suggestion Brandon - - Thanks

01-31-2003, 01:44 PM	#1
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Tach Install Advice OK, so it looks as if I will be buying and trying to install a tach in my truck in the next couple of weeks. Just wanted to survey the masses for any tips. The tach is a 2" diameter. I'm not sure where I'll mount it. I'd love to actually put it in the instrument panel (have a free space where the oil dummy light usually is), but I'm not sure yet. What I really want is tips on wiring it up. Is this a simple process? I've read that you connect it to the distributor. Are these connections easy to access? How about wiring up the light? I assume many of these questions might be answered once I actually buy the tach, but I thought I'd get some "first hand" advice. Thanks for the help.

01-31-2003, 01:48 PM	#2
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Hooking up the tach is easy. You will most likely need to provide power (12volt) to the tach, a ground, and a lead from the distributor cap. If the tach has a light you will also have two wires for the light. You can jump off the factory harness so that the tach light will dim and bright with your stock gauges (im not talking about a shift light, im talking about the back light). The tach wire can plug right into the side of the cap, there is a port titled/labeled "tach". All you need is a full insulated female spade connector. Crimp it to the wire and slide it onto the blade. You will see wires going into the side of the cap. Its right there, just look close and youll see it. The wires come into the cap on the drivers side. The blades are on the under side of the cap where the square piece comes off to the side. Hope that helps. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION * Last edited by PHOENIX; 01-31-2003 at 01:51 PM.

01-31-2003, 01:51 PM	#3
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Yeah man its really easy. If I can do it you sure can!! haha I put mine in the corner of my dash __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

01-31-2003, 04:18 PM	#5
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	On my stock radio dimmer it was grey Might look near the radio for that wire that may not be connected to anything then. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

01-31-2003, 02:33 PM	#4
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Thanks for the quick responses. Sounds like a fun project, and I'm very much looking forward to being able to keep an eye on the RPM while on the highway, towing, etc. Just one more way to monitor performance and help identify problems. Now I just want to get a tranny temp gauge. Hey Phoenix, Do you have any idea what colour the dimmer wire is in the headlight harness? I guess I can play around with my circuit tester, but I thought I'd ask.

01-31-2003, 04:22 PM	#6
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Great suggestion Brandon - - Thanks



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