1985 Switch From Dash Clock to Tach

17812 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by G-boz, Jan 1, 2013

thenewguy23

Discussion Starter · Apr 11, 2012

I've got a 5th Gen 1985 (5.0L 305 V8) with all the stock gauges in it working perfectly... except for the clock. And honestly, I'm ok with that, my goal here is not to fix the clock, but to replace it with a tachometer. I was wondering if somewhere out there was a tach that looked like the other gauges (same fonts and everything) that would fit right where my clock is now. Thanks for the help!

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87next2last1

· #2 · Apr 11, 2012

You need to get one from the 81-85 Camino,Monte Carlo,Malibu

Check this thread for some for sale !!
http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=49088

speedy86

· #3 · Apr 11, 2012

Look for 81-85 Monte Carlo & SS, El Camino's and 81-83 Malibu's with the Tic Tock Tach. That is the factory unit, and has a small clock on the lower corner also.
Here is the style but doesn't have the internal parts for the tach, http://www.ebay.com/itm/83-84-85-86...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

thenewguy23

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 11, 2012

Also

Would an 86/87 tach fit?

87next2last1

· #5 · Apr 11, 2012

Yes but they are different colors !!

O. D. Showtime

· #6 · Apr 11, 2012

The 86/87 style will work...but the font/colors are different..

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87next2last1

· #7 · Apr 11, 2012

this is my 84 tach

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thenewguy23

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 11, 2012

Thank You!

Thanks for all the help everybody. I've found a tach out of an SS Monte Carlo that looks exactly like i need it to. It goes up to 8k and redlines at about 5500. Im thinking this will work with the V8? Ive seen that theres been some issues with people trying to get v6 tachs to work with a v8.

FUNAGLE

· #9 · Apr 11, 2012

Small dash clock to tach?

My 81 El Camino has the stock standard dash with a place for a factory clock that was never installed. I have always wanted to put a small tach in that spot.

Anyone done this or have any ideas?

Thanks!

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Camino80

· #10 · Apr 11, 2012

87next2last1 said:
this is my 84 tach

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g413/87next2last1/84tach/84tach.jpg

Steve, Is that tic toc tach for a 6 or 8? I've got one that I picked out of a junk yard in Vegas years ago. Didn't know there was a difference back then.

87next2last1

· #11 · Apr 11, 2012

camino80 said:
steve, is that tic toc tach for a 6 or 8? I've got one that i picked out of a junk yard in vegas years ago. Didn't know there was a difference back then.

v8 !!

Camino80

· #12 · Apr 11, 2012

Thanks Steve. :beer:

bazthespazz

· #13 · Dec 31, 2012

I've got an '84 with a working clock but would like to replace it with a tick toc tach. What would I have to do as far as wiring goes to do the change over? Will it plug into the dash pod terminals that power the clock?

O. D. Showtime

· #14 · Jan 1, 2013

6

You'll need to find the proper tach bracket for the gauge pod...

it has the cutout for the clock workings to go through on the 78-85 tachs...

the white housing is the clock workings on this tach..

the clock bracket will won't work...unless heavily modified.

you will have to remove the cluster from the dash to access the back side and change out the brackets. I can't be certain but I believe if you have the full gauges with clock..you should be able to just swap the tach and bracket for the clock and use the existing printed circuit..

you may also need to add the white wire with tach filter for the tach. White wire is in location #17 in the cluster harness..

some have the white wire in the harness from factory..it may be coiled and tied up behind the dash. On the end of the tach filter is a connection that goes to the tach terminal on the distributor

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bazthespazz

· #15 · Jan 1, 2013

Clock to Tach

So if I can get one with the bracket like the one pictured, should be an easy swap, right?
http://s179.beta.photobucket.com/user/bazthespazz/media/Tach_zpsb0a7ea66.jpg.html

O. D. Showtime

· #16 · Jan 1, 2013

bazthespazz said:
So if I can get one with the bracket like the one pictured, should be an easy swap, right?
http://s179.beta.photobucket.com/user/bazthespazz/media/Tach_zpsb0a7ea66.jpg.html

Yep if you can get one with the bracket as pictured you should be well on your way!

G-boz

· #17 · Jan 1, 2013

I have a tach bracket for the cluster and a tach filter..

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