Pontiac Hood Tach Idea

[dobie6982]

This is just an idea I am playing with. I have talked to the guys at new vintage and they say it is very doable.

A little background first. I have they Auto Meter American Muscle series gauges already installed. I put the gauges for Temp, Oil, Fuel and Alt in the console (like a 68-69 Camaro). The problem I am having is, they are easy to forget about, but they look awesome. I also do not have any blinker indicators or other idiot lights.



The solution I am toying with is taking a hood tach shell and sending it to New Vintage USA and having it fitted with all needed indicators and matching the American Muscle Gauges. I have always wanted a hood tach, but I now have the tach in the dash.

I am still not completely sold on doing this. I also am toying with mounting a panel in the dash pad, behind the steering wheel.

What are your opinions on this? Let me know honestly. No one else I have talked to about it, knows what a hood tach was from the 60's. (I know, I need new friends.)

[dobie6982]

98 Views and not one opinion.

[andrewb70]

I was never a fan of the idea of a hood tach, but if you want a hood tach, I think having it retrofitted with modern internals is a great idea.

Andrew

[NOT A TA]

I had a hood tach like you're considering and painted it to match my 70 bird when I painted the car. When I was ready to install it I positioned it on the hood where I thought I'd like it, then moved, and moved, and moved. I just couldn't find a spot where I could read it easily and not have it look "funny" when looking at the car from the outside. Every couple years I'd drag it out and repeat the process because I wanted a tach and didn't have one in the dash. Finally I installed a dash tach and sold the hood tach.

I'd suggest you make a mock up of what you'd have made out of thin cardboard with a face that includes what you'd want in it and stick it on the hood to see if it will serve your needs.

[dobie6982]

Sounds like a plan for this weekend. I appreciate the input guys.

[nekkidhillbilly]

3 small leds drilled anywhere you wanted would do the same thing as all this and cost nothing. id do it between the speedo and tach.