How hard to install a tachometer?

[amdforever2]

It's a 1992 Thunderbird LX. Assuming I could just get the gauge cluster for a super coupe or other thunderbird that had a tachometer, how hard would it be to install it? How much should I expect a mechanic to charge at $60/hr?

 

[jfall]

1 wire to power
1 wire to ground
1 wire to dimmer (for lighting)
1 wire to negative on the starter coil

Typically

 

[amdforever2]

 

1 wire to power
1 wire to ground
1 wire to dimmer (for lighting)
1 wire to negative on the starter coil

Are you planning on reading the R.P.M.'s of your starter ?

You must follow the directions that come with the tach, some Fords require an adapter so the tach can hook up to the ignition coil correctly.

 

[Tominator]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
It's a 1992 Thunderbird LX. Assuming I could just get the gauge cluster for a super coupe or other thunderbird that had a tachometer, how hard would it be to install it? How much should I expect a mechanic to charge at $60/hr?

Even with a rudimentary knowledge of autos or electricity, YOU can do it yourself! Really, if you can figure out how to post here, you can follow the instructions that come with the tach.

 

[Placer14]

Originally posted by: Roger

1 wire to power
1 wire to ground
1 wire to dimmer (for lighting)
1 wire to negative on the starter coil

Are you planning on reading the R.P.M.'s of your starter ?

You must follow the directions that come with the tach, some Fords require an adapter so the tach can hook up to the ignition coil correctly.

LOL, pwned.

 

[d33pt]

what if my car has two ignition coils?

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: d33pt
what if my car has two ignition coils?

one does the same as the other...

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
It's a 1992 Thunderbird LX. Assuming I could just get the gauge cluster for a super coupe or other thunderbird that had a tachometer, how hard would it be to install it? How much should I expect a mechanic to charge at $60/hr?

If you get a used factory cluster with a tach, you may not have to do any wiring at all, just plug the cluster in as a replacement. If it's just a cluster swap, I would expect a shop to charge around one hour labor.

 

[StageLeft]

I'd like one on my sentra - what is the absolute cheapest one you can buy? It would just be something fun to do on the weekend I guess.

 

[Quixfire]

amdforever2, It is not as simple as using another cluster. Only the 4.6L V8 model t-birds and Supercoupes had a tach installed. The wiring is different between your car and those which had a factory tach.

Wiring Diagram

I would recommend an aftermarket tach from one of the better companies, like MSD, VDO, or AutoMeter (inexpensive).

 

[Soybomb]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I'd like one on my sentra - what is the absolute cheapest one you can buy? It would just be something fun to do on the weekend I guess.

The cheapest you can buy is going to be really inaccurate, I'll dig some links up if you guys want. Get a good one like VDO or autometer (not autoguage) if you're going to do it.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: Roger

1 wire to power
1 wire to ground
1 wire to dimmer (for lighting)
1 wire to negative on the starter coil

Are you planning on reading the R.P.M.'s of your starter ?

You must follow the directions that come with the tach, some Fords require an adapter so the tach can hook up to the ignition coil correctly.

So THAT'S my problem...

 

[The Stigenator]

on the focus all I really need is the "instrument panel" from another focus and swap it out.. the tach signal is already there.. i can access it via the diag.. and it shows up on my digital trip meter.. its cool i tell you to drive with that digital tach.. but I want a real tach...

 

[MazerRackham]

I want to install a tach in my Civic DX! So VDO tachs are the best? I don't need one with a shift light or anything either So how much would they usually go for, and where is the best place to buy them online?

Thanks!

 

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