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Old 06-16-2018, 07:31 PM   #1
michael a
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Default Tachometer for my model A

Can I use a 12-volt tack with a 6 to 12 volt Step Up regulator

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Old 06-17-2018, 11:19 PM   #2
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Can I use a 12-volt tack with a 6 to 12 volt Step Up regulator

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Yes on some. No on some. Try it.
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Old 06-18-2018, 12:16 AM   #3
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I recently bought and returned an electronic voltmeter from Harbor Freight that was supposed to be able to register engine RPM. Supposedly, either from clipping the probe to the coil or using the coil wire pick-up. It did not work. It just registered random numbers on the display. I took it back and claimed it was defective. They graciously exchanged it. The second one did the same thing, so I took it back and did not ask for another one.

I don't know why it would not work, but perhaps because it needed 12-volt power instead of 6-volt.
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Old 06-18-2018, 01:03 AM   #4
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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I recently bought and returned an electronic voltmeter from Harbor Freight that was supposed to be able to register engine RPM. Supposedly, either from clipping the probe to the coil or using the coil wire pick-up. It did not work. It just registered random numbers on the display. I took it back and claimed it was defective. They graciously exchanged it. The second one did the same thing, so I took it back and did not ask for another one.

I don't know why it would not work, but perhaps because it needed 12-volt power instead of 6-volt.

Too much noise from the unshielded ignition system for digital meters, especially inexpensive ones, to work. This is why analog meters with a needle are recommended for the Model A.
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Old 06-18-2018, 08:50 AM   #5
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Too much noise from the unshielded ignition system for digital meters, especially inexpensive ones, to work. This is why analog meters with a needle are recommended for the Model A.
Ditto
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Old 06-18-2018, 09:42 AM   #6
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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I'm an analog guy in a digital world. So is the A.
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Old 06-18-2018, 10:10 AM   #7
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by michael a View Post
Can I use a 12-volt tack with a 6 to 12 volt Step Up regulator

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Unless there's some reason you want 12 volt, this place sells 6 volt, + ground, 4 cyl tachs for $125

http://www.westach.com/

(Disclaimer: This post is only information, not recommendation. I have not done business with them so you're on your own there.)
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Old 06-18-2018, 11:03 AM   #8
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I use a "tiny tach". Simple to hook up and works. I have a 6 volt system.
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Old 06-18-2018, 11:31 AM   #9
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I use this model from Westech.com Works well.
Model: 2CT32-6V
Price: $124.65
Tachometer 3,500 RPM, 2" round, std pt ign, 2 imp/rev, 6 volt pos or neg grd ( 4 cyl )
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Old 06-18-2018, 12:47 PM   #10
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

My ears are still working pretty well so I live in a tach free world.
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Old 06-18-2018, 01:02 PM   #11
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by wmws View Post
I use this model from Westech.com Works well.
Model: 2CT32-6V
Price: $124.65
Tachometer 3,500 RPM, 2" round, std pt ign, 2 imp/rev, 6 volt pos or neg grd ( 4 cyl )
I think that should be Westach.com
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Old 06-18-2018, 06:59 PM   #12
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by wmws View Post
I use this model from Westech.com Works well.
Model: 2CT32-6V
Price: $124.65
Tachometer 3,500 RPM, 2" round, std pt ign, 2 imp/rev, 6 volt pos or neg grd ( 4 cyl )
I am using the same one and it works well.
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Old 06-18-2018, 07:46 PM   #13
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

This is a pic of a Westach in a model A.
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Old 06-18-2018, 10:21 PM   #14
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Red line 7200??
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Old 06-18-2018, 10:25 PM   #15
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Red line 7200??
Actually it was 6500. I never bothered to set the red pointer.
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Old 06-19-2018, 08:06 AM   #16
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Yes Y-Blockhead your right. Here is the web address.
[url]www.westach.com
The tac shown in post 13 is not the same one I have.
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Old 06-19-2018, 09:03 AM   #17
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Bill Jones has a SMALL LED, rectangular tach, that sticks on his dash rail. It has its' OWN battery & I "think", a skinny wire, that just winds around the coil wire. You notice,I use a LOTS of QUOTATION MARKS, when I'm NOT SURE of stuff--LOL---Wouldn't EVER mean to MIS-LEAD someone.
Not "SURE" of the BRAND name???---MOSTLY, I just recommend stuff that has worked for me, PERSONALLY, in my SORID MECHANICAL BACKGROUND. "Sometimes" something I lurned while workin' on a GOGOMOBILE, "might" apply to a Model A.
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Old 06-19-2018, 03:26 PM   #18
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Bill, you ever see the videos on this Gogomobile with a 'Radial' engine. pretty crazy

https://youtu.be/f2V7B7-gdRA
https://youtu.be/Xk8d-bMhViM
https://youtu.be/luvkcP0mkgA

Sorry for the detour...

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Old 06-19-2018, 06:21 PM   #19
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

The Westech 6-volt model 2CT32-6V looks interesting. Could some of you who have installed this device post some descriptions on how you mounted it and hooked it up eclectically in a Model A.


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Old 06-19-2018, 07:00 PM   #20
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Not trying to be critical or funny, but why would I want a tach in a Model A? I have one in my Mustang Cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the Model A just does not make sense to push and the actual RPMs do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?
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Old 06-19-2018, 07:00 PM   #21
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by Tom Endy View Post
The Westech 6-volt model 2CT32-6V looks interesting. Could some of you who have installed this device post some descriptions on how you mounted it and hooked it up eclectically in a Model A.


Tom Endy
You can see how mine is mounted.
Electrically, the pickup wire goes to the points side of the coil.
The black goes to ground and that is it. Mine has wires for an internal light but I don't use them.
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Old 06-19-2018, 07:15 PM   #22
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Not trying to be critical or funny, but why would I want a tach in a Model A? I have one in my Mustang Cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the Model A just does not make sense to push and the actual RPMs do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?
A tach in a model A is for those of us that have modified engines etc.
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Old 06-26-2018, 03:32 PM   #23
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

you might want to get on the internet and look up Chinese wholesalers for the digital tachometer/hour meter. Cost is around $14. delivered by mail from yes CHINA, I have one in my coupe and it works very well. my buddy also has one in his model A. no electrical hook up required. just run the one lead to a spark plug and wind it three or four times around the ceramic and you are good to go. When motor is running it reads the RPM (selectable setting for 4-6-8 cyls.) when motor not running it reads hours and can be reset., 6 or 12 volt not necessary.
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Old 06-26-2018, 03:50 PM   #24
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Does anyone know of a 2" tach that is full sweep and 3000-3500 RPM ?
I don't like the look of the Westach.
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Old 06-26-2018, 06:11 PM   #25
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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you might want to get on the internet and look up Chinese wholesalers for the digital tachometer/hour meter. Cost is around $14. delivered by mail from yes CHINA, I have one in my coupe and it works very well. my buddy also has one in his model A. no electrical hook up required. just run the one lead to a spark plug and wind it three or four times around the ceramic and you are good to go. When motor is running it reads the RPM (selectable setting for 4-6-8 cyls.) when motor not running it reads hours and can be reset., 6 or 12 volt not necessary.
Thank you for no more than what they cost I'll give it a try

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Old 06-26-2018, 07:03 PM   #26
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Michael a. :
I purchased a couple about 6 months ago, they have a non-replaceable lithium battery which they say lasts for 2 years. The newer ones apparently have a backlight and the battery is replaceable for a few dollars more
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Old 06-26-2018, 07:23 PM   #27
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Does anyone know of a 2" tach that is full sweep and 3000-3500 RPM ?
I don't like the look of the Westach.
I like the Speedhut tach, it has a 270° sweep, 0-4000 RPM. It is customizable also so you can change the font, color, graphics, etc. to suit you. www.speedhut.com

I should add it is 12v...



Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 06-26-2018 at 07:56 PM. Reason: Add verbage "I should add it is 12v..."
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Old 06-26-2018, 10:01 PM   #28
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by 31 Woody View Post
Not trying to be critical or funny, but why would I want a tach in a Model A? I have one in my Mustang Cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the Model A just does not make sense to push and the actual RPMs do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?

Woody, I was thinking the same thing. Like someone mentioned earlier, their hearing was OK, why bother with a tac. If I were to spring for a dash mounted gauge it would be a temperature gauge.
Just my thoughts, by the way I am impressed when ever I see a Mustang Cobra, most impressive. With that being said my $ budget is in the Model A range


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Old 06-26-2018, 10:10 PM   #29
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Here's a picture of mine. The Tach is on the left, Water Temp on the right. Both gauges are Autometer, 270 degree sweep, purchased from Amazon. Gauge holder is from Berts. Oh, and they are 12 volt.
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Old 06-27-2018, 09:54 PM   #30
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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I like the Speedhut tach, it has a 270° sweep, 0-4000 RPM. It is customizable also so you can change the font, color, graphics, etc. to suit you. www.speedhut.com

I should add it is 12v...


Thank You. I like the 270 sweep angle. And it's the right size.
Now to make it work on a 6v pos ground system
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Old 07-06-2018, 02:00 PM   #31
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Woody, I was thinking the same thing. Like someone mentioned earlier, their hearing was OK, why bother with a tac. If I were to spring for a dash mounted gauge it would be a temperature gauge.
Just my thoughts, by the way I am impressed when ever I see a Mustang Cobra, most impressive. With that being said my $ budget is in the Model A range


Gerry Birch Bay Wa
I do have an oil gauge and water temp, but not going to put in a tach. The engine is a counter balance pressurized setup, but I am afraid of breaking it. I will leave the high RPMs to the rest of this group! Have fun guys! I do like the looks of that little 4K tach posted above though.

Gerry—you can get used Mustang Cobras pretty cheap. I saw one at Barrett Jackson in January identical to mine but only 4000 miles on it (mine has 10,000) and it sold for $17.5k. Since that sale I have been putting more miles on mine—might as well enjoy it because it isn’t worth much being a low mile 22 year old car.
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Old 05-23-2020, 09:35 AM   #32
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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I use a "tiny tach". Simple to hook up and works. I have a 6 volt system.
What is a ""tiny tach"???
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Old 05-23-2020, 12:32 PM   #33
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I have an old analog sears it hooks to the coil and ground. Read the 8 cyl. scale and double it. I am hard of hearing can't tell 450 rpm from 700 rpm !
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Old 05-23-2020, 07:04 PM   #34
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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I use a "tiny tach". Simple to hook up and works. I have a 6 volt system.
I have Tiny Tachs. In 2 of my cars. Very easy to install and they work great

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Old 05-23-2020, 08:52 PM   #35
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

where do you get these. thanks
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Old 05-24-2020, 09:31 AM   #36
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

New Westach for sale in Swapmeet forum
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Old 05-24-2020, 01:54 PM   #37
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I have Tiny Tachs. In 2 of my cars. Very easy to install and they work great

Chris W
Who did you order these from? What is the part number?
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Old 05-27-2020, 10:38 PM   #38
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Who did you order these from? What is the part number?
Is this the device that you guys are talking about???

https://tinytach.com/gasoline-tinytach
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Old 05-28-2020, 01:45 PM   #39
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I have an old Sun Tach and sender for a four cylinder. I found a decent selection on eBay a few years ago. That will give you a traditional look. If it doesn’t work they can be rebuilt. H.A.M.B. has some threads on the subject. I never installed one for my modified banger as I just drive it and shift by how the motor feels to me.
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Old 05-29-2020, 12:40 PM   #40
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Is this the device that you guys are talking about???

https://tinytach.com/gasoline-tinytach
I just spoke with Steve at the shop and the model number for the Model A Ford, standard ignition (6 v positive ground) is: TT1CRXL.
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:25 PM   #41
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Be nice to use one for a day to get the feel of the rpms, then I would be fine without.....need something temporary
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Old 09-12-2020, 07:29 PM   #42
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by 31 Woody View Post
Not trying to be critical or funny, but why would I want a tach in a Model A? I have one in my Mustang Cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the Model A just does not make sense to push and the actual RPMs do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?
Ditto !
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Old 09-12-2020, 08:18 PM   #43
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Be nice to use one for a day to get the feel of the rpms, then I would be fine without.....need something temporary
Update: Found one for 24.00 cad, delivery in 3 days. like to get a feel for shift points and comfortable top speed. Really hilly where I live. A couple of runs and it'll go back in the box or installed on my tender
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Old 09-12-2020, 08:50 PM   #44
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Had Classic Instruments build this for my A powered hot rod. Wasn’t cheap.
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Old 09-13-2020, 09:26 AM   #45
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Update: Found one for 24.00 cad, delivery in 3 days. like to get a feel for shift points and comfortable top speed. Really hilly where I live. A couple of runs and it'll go back in the box or installed on my tender



X2. I temporarily installed a cheap battery Tach with a single lead installed around the coil wire, for the same reasons. Another reason is put it back on if I want to check/set the idle on the carb. It is just another experiment/toy/project for messing around with my A.
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Old 09-13-2020, 10:08 AM   #46
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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For temporary use one could get an inexpensive tach dwell meter:
https://www.amazon.com/dwell-tach-me...ell+tach+meter
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Old 09-13-2020, 11:19 AM   #47
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Laser tachs can be purchased on ebay for less than $20. Great for idle adjustments.
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Old 09-19-2020, 08:49 PM   #48
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Tach arrived. 2 minute temporary install.
Anyone point me in the right direction on proper idle rpm, top safe rpm, etc?
Does not allow me to search threads for 3 letter words
Thanks,
Leo
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Old 09-20-2020, 07:45 AM   #49
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Hmmm... That’s odd. I searched for “idle speed” using the iPhone Tapatalk app and a laptop browser, and I didn’t find much on this forum, although I do recall this subject being discussed multiple times.

My car idles well around 500 RPM. If I recall correctly, the more senior folks on this forum have warned in the past about setting the lowest possible idle speed (maybe 300 RPM or so?) because of potential harm to the engine, but I don’t recall the specifics.


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Old 09-20-2020, 07:59 AM   #50
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by 31 woody View Post
not trying to be critical or funny, but why would i want a tach in a model a? I have one in my mustang cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the model a just does not make sense to push and the actual rpms do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?
you took the words right out of my mouth,why? Just another toy?
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Old 09-20-2020, 08:12 AM   #51
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Not trying to be critical or funny, but why would I want a tach in a Model A? I have one in my Mustang Cobra, which does redline at 7,000...been there many times in fact. But the Model A just does not make sense to push and the actual RPMs do not seem important. Is this a curiousity being satisfied?

It's fun to watch the expression on an A owner's face when you run the tach to 3500 RPM on the chassis dyno. Too, ask your passenger to keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge while you're driving.
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Old 09-20-2020, 08:26 AM   #52
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Yes, Rocket1, it is curiosity being satisfied. But fun to watch when you are playing with it in the shop. Trying to get idle down to 2 -300 rpm and listhe to it go chuck......chuck.....chuck.............chuckity... ..chuck.
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Old 09-21-2020, 03:58 AM   #53
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I realize a tach does not matter, but it gives me some references I can use on the hills etc. Held in place with an elastic band, it will removed in a few weeks. I believe I have low geared rear-end
Anyway, I found this:
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Old 09-21-2020, 05:58 AM   #54
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Default Tachometer for my model A

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Originally Posted by Apperloo View Post
I realize a tach does not matter, but it gives me some references I can use on the hills etc. Held in place with an elastic band, it will removed in a few weeks. I believe I have low geared rear-end
Anyway, I found this:

That is the tach that I have in my car. It’s a simple hookup.

For me, it’s useful to see if I’m pushing the engine too hard, and it’s useful to confirm the engine is still running as I come to a stop. (Model A’s make a lot of noise. Sometimes it’s hard to determine what is engine noise and what is drive train noise when coming to a stop. The tach helps with that.) It was also helpful in setting the idle speed.


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Old 09-21-2020, 04:21 PM   #55
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

A few years ago I found a 50's vintage Sun Tach that looks like it was made for the Model A. Here's is photo:
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Old 09-27-2020, 06:28 PM   #56
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Not able to get the rpms up past 1400 or so in first, easy over 2000 in second and runs out power around 1600 in 3rd.
New plugs, condenser and points. Compression was around 40 in #2, and 48 in the other cylinders if I recall correctly.
Where do I need to start looking?
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Old 09-28-2020, 10:06 AM   #57
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Check fuel flow.
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Old 09-29-2020, 08:02 AM   #58
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Check fuel flow.
How do I check flow. Is it possible the carb is gunked up from sitting 20+ years? It idles and revs fine.
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Old 09-07-2023, 06:50 PM   #59
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I wanted a tach because I have a columbia 2 speed rear end and I wanted to make sure it was shifing
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Old 09-08-2023, 12:54 AM   #60
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

This is an old post. I posted to it years ago and since then I installed one in my Victoria for no other reason than I could. We also installed one in my grandson's 30 Tudor restoration. Attached is a story about the one in the Victoria.

https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...Tachometer.pdf

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Old 09-08-2023, 06:00 PM   #61
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Love having a tach .
I’m used to working on performance V8’s from the 60’s ,70’s so after seeing the crank and rods in the A I want to keep those revs down!
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Old 09-08-2023, 06:52 PM   #62
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

I have a tach in my 30 coupe without overdrive but with a burtz.very interesting to see the rpm of shift points and at cruising speed. Because of the stroke the piston speed of a model A is very impressive, comparable to sbc.
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Old 09-08-2023, 07:34 PM   #63
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flathead View Post
I'm an analog guy in a digital world. So is the A.
That's me too. I don't even intend to try. what did Henry say about systems that are old are not necessarily redundant?
Remind me please.
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Old 09-08-2023, 08:51 PM   #64
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

210 ci. 168 hp. 6400 rpm.

Drove all over LA for 3 days in 104 degree heat and got 18 mpg.
Won class in national hill climb while there also.

Modified can also be very steetable.
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Old 09-09-2023, 01:20 PM   #65
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

Pete, I believe that small tach you featured in post #13 is similar to the 0-3000RPM tach I bought last year on eBay. The maker is Buzztach, not Westach and the one I have is Buzztach Model P3A 6 Volt Model A tachometer designed to be used with Pertronix’s ignition system. I had a late forty's vintage Sun Tach that I replaced with this Buzztach.........What a great little tach!!!!!
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Old 09-09-2023, 03:48 PM   #66
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Default Re: Tachometer for my model A

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Pete, I believe that small tach you featured in post #13 is similar to the 0-3000RPM tach I bought last year on eBay. The maker is Buzztach, not Westach and the one I have is Buzztach Model P3A 6 Volt Model A tachometer designed to be used with Pertronix’s ignition system. I had a late forty's vintage Sun Tach that I replaced with this Buzztach.........What a great little tach!!!!!
Yup. I was sure sorry to see Buzz retire. I used his tachs on several installations.
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