I recently bought a 8 K tachometer. The part # stamped on the back reads C8ZF-17360 A. I want to know will this work in my 1968 mustang instrument cluster.It has the same size gauge face as my speedometer. The problem seems to be that it will not fit through the back plate where right now the fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge are mounted. Thanks for any helpful info .
1968 8 K tach question ??
- Thread starter EDzierzek
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chepsk8
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A few factors here.
1. The "Tach" dashes have a different metal back, which allows for the mounting of the tach.
2. The gauge layout is different, and you will have to re-mount the missing gauges in other locations.
3. The wiring is different under the dash & hood, as the factory Tach dashes use an "ALT" light, and the standard dashes have a amp gauge. Different circuits. The factory tach cars also have an oil light, not a guage. In addition, the wiring for the tach from the ignition switch to the tach to the resistor wire to the distributor also needs to be accounted for. Odd as it seems, the Cougar harnesses will work in this application.
Hopefully some of the members here cab provide wiring instructions to wire in the tach, but be aware of the other aspects of this swap.
(PS - I did this in my 68 back in 1981, but have since lost/forgotten the info. I do remember changing both the oil & temp to mechanical gauges, and moving the gas guage to the top-center / clock location.)
1. The "Tach" dashes have a different metal back, which allows for the mounting of the tach.
2. The gauge layout is different, and you will have to re-mount the missing gauges in other locations.
3. The wiring is different under the dash & hood, as the factory Tach dashes use an "ALT" light, and the standard dashes have a amp gauge. Different circuits. The factory tach cars also have an oil light, not a guage. In addition, the wiring for the tach from the ignition switch to the tach to the resistor wire to the distributor also needs to be accounted for. Odd as it seems, the Cougar harnesses will work in this application.
Hopefully some of the members here cab provide wiring instructions to wire in the tach, but be aware of the other aspects of this swap.
(PS - I did this in my 68 back in 1981, but have since lost/forgotten the info. I do remember changing both the oil & temp to mechanical gauges, and moving the gas guage to the top-center / clock location.)
I've seen complete 6K clusters including the gauge wiring (but not the underdash or engine wiring) go for as little as $600, but I've also seen them hit $900. I've seen loose 8K tachs with nothing else to do the swap (like yours) hit those same prices. Complete 8K units as mentioned above routinely get over $1K.
Assuming you got a sweetheart deal on the 8K unit I'd recommend getting a complete 6K pod and simply putting yours into it. The backing plate and gauge wiring are the same. You can then recoup some cost by selling the loose 6K tach and have everything you need.
FWIW...I have the engine-to-dash and under dash wiring harness for a 289 with tach. I was hoping to sell it as a unit with the complete 6K pod, but would consider breaking up the set. Frankly it is not necessary to have the factory wiring (other than the part connected to the pod) unless you are doing the concourse stuff. I jerry-rigged a tach into a few 67s before by splicing into the pink wire, the one that says "DO NOT SPLICE" on it...LOL.
Never felt good about that, always kept a fire extinguisher handy
Assuming you got a sweetheart deal on the 8K unit I'd recommend getting a complete 6K pod and simply putting yours into it. The backing plate and gauge wiring are the same. You can then recoup some cost by selling the loose 6K tach and have everything you need.
FWIW...I have the engine-to-dash and under dash wiring harness for a 289 with tach. I was hoping to sell it as a unit with the complete 6K pod, but would consider breaking up the set. Frankly it is not necessary to have the factory wiring (other than the part connected to the pod) unless you are doing the concourse stuff. I jerry-rigged a tach into a few 67s before by splicing into the pink wire, the one that says "DO NOT SPLICE" on it...LOL.
Never felt good about that, always kept a fire extinguisher handy
