Jeep CJ tach installed-works great!

[kaliona]

Just finished installing a Jeep CJ tach in the empty clock space of my '67. Started out as a "I think this will work" project. Progressed to a "This ain't gonna work" project. But surprisingly ended up being a "I'll be damned! It worked" project.

I was worried it wouldn't work with my Pertronix ignition, but I hooked it up per the instructions with the tach lead going to the negative side of the Flamethrower coil and it works just fine. I also had to modify the case a bit to make it fit. Otherwise it would have been too long and would have hit the vertical support behind the instrument cluster.

I just wanted to share with the group because I've gotten all kinds of good info and advice over the last couple years with my car and can finally contribute something for once. Here's a few before and after pics. I just have to order some LEDs to replace the stock bulbs because the new tach light REALLY shines above the rest.

This first group shows what I had to do with the tach behind the instrument panel

[kaliona]

Here's the before and after look of the instrument panel.

[miketyler]

Wow - looks great and makes good use of the center gauge location

[1meancj7]

That's sweeeeet!

[GSEninja]

Where did you order that from? do you have a link? exactly what mine is missing!

[kaliona]

I found it on ebay. Here's one just like the one I bought.
JEEP "CJ" PREM. QUALITY TACH FOR 4/6/8 CYL., WARRANTY | eBay

Matches pretty close to the original Mustang lettering. Just know it's not just a "remove old, insert new" installation. Some modification is required.

[RichA]

Sweet!

I would be a little worried about unprotected wires running through that metal bracket. Vibration over time could chafe through the insulation and fry something or cause a fire.

[kaliona]

Rich, I actually added a rubber grommet into the bracket before I made the final connections to protect the wiring from chafing. I was worried about that too.

[Beau M]

That looks great. I have tach envy now.

[beechkid]

That is a very, very, very clean installation IMHo, when someone looks at a car, sees something that is very cool and can't quite tell but thinks its oem....that is the definition of success!

[franklinair]

Thanks for the info & photos. As a result, I just bought one from the thread you listed. It looks like a good replacement since the Aussie tach is no longer available.

Neil Hoppe

[kaliona]

Just keep in mind, that particular Jeep CJ tach will not fit unless you cut down the case. The magic number is 2 1/4". That's the distance from the back of the instrument cluster metal case (when installed) to the vertical support behind the dash opening. Anything deeper and you won't be able to reseat the instrument cluster. That's how it is on my '67. Might be different distance on other years, I'm not sure.

[Paul1958]

Originally Posted by kaliona

Just keep in mind, that particular Jeep CJ tach will not fit unless you cut down the case. The magic number is 2 1/4".

Can you explain in detail what you did to 'cut down the case'. I didnt pick that up from your pictures.

Also were you able to re-use the existing mounting holes that held the original cover plate or did you need to drill new holes?

Good job and thanks

[dnh4976]

Very nice. The lettering even looks good. A+

[SchnorrCS]

Wow! Sweet! What are you using for lighting?