9 replies to this topic

[Kombi]

Model: Mini 1000
Year: 1971

Not having a tach in my '71 was something I thought I could live without at least until I sorted out a few other items. However, I'm finding that living without one is proving to be a major aggravation especially since I'm dealing with some curious engine issues. Besides, I'm a bit of a data junkie and I'm jonesing for the digits.

So I'd like to ask for some advice as far as selecting a tach goes. Here's the criteria I'm using:

• Should have a vintage aesthetic.
• Should be lit from the side (versus back lit, or electro-luminescent).
• Would prefer to have a red line indicator, but can live without.
• Should have sufficient range to work for a 998 or a 1275 (I'd rather not buy a new one when I eventually replace the engine).
• Should be able to be mounted in a pod on the steering column.

What I've found so far:

• The Smith's tach definitely ends up on the list, but I have some concerns about reliability and accuracy.
• Then there's this tach from AutoMeter that I quite like, but the 90 degree sweep design isn't one I've ever considered before.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by Kombi, 05 December 2009 - 04:38 PM.

[wile e coyote]

IMHO a Smiths RVC tacho taken from a midget / mgb / spitfire etc is hard to beat aesthetically lovely (well the MG ones are) and cheap as you like to get (there's ebay seller the guage shop or soemthing like that , that recons them and on occasion you can get one very reasonably)- the only issue is their size - there are ways and means around it though - mine is mounted in an inset panel set within the glovebox opening of a mk1 elf dash - when left the glovebox lid is replaced and all looks std'ish - all my additional guages are mounted in there....

FYI its backlit, has a redline and is eminently suitable for both 998 & 1275 (mine is ex 1275 midget)...

[paul6266]

Personally I would choose the later gt style clocks as they are the same as whats used in the coopers, if you have a centre binacle dash which i belive you might then you need to get the conversion plug (i belive moss uk do these) or failing that just cut the plug off the loom and rewire, same colours so not much to worry about really, in my opinon these are really nice but at the end of the day its down to personal choice

[Kombi]

IMHO a Smiths RVC tacho taken from a midget / mgb / spitfire etc is hard to beat aesthetically lovely (well the MG ones are)...

I will probably ask some dumb questions here, but I figured I ought to be up front about that. My experience in the world of Mini's or any car of British origin began in September of this year so I'm still on the learning curve.

So, I found a Smith's RVC1410 on Ebay so I could at least see what this was and it is a rather nice piece. I see it's printed with a Red-line around 6250, is that fairly accurate as far as a redline for the A series engines go?

As far as fitment as concerned, I expect there's a good deal of online documentation for wiring and I would need help at some point with that. Both of you mentioned mounting in the Dash and I was hoping for a pod on the steering column (I added that to my criteria). Is that possible with this tach, is it sized such that it would fit one of the commonly available pods?

I should also add, I've got a Pertronix electronic ignition in the car. Would that work with this sort of Tach?

Edited by Kombi, 05 December 2009 - 04:59 PM.

[dklawson]

Hello on the west coast!

You're looking far afield for a tach trolling auctions on eBay.co.uk. You will also find tachs like you posted a link to on "regular" U.S. eBay. Many, many MGBs and Midgets ended up in the U.S.

If you like sidewinder tachs like you posted the link to at Summit, that gauge will be fine. The problem with MGB and Midget tachs is that they are for in-dash mounting. They are not designed for gauge pods. Over the years there have been several threads at Mini Mania about improvised tach pods for MG tachometers. You may wish to search there for some pictures of what people have done.

I like Summit and I do buy some stuff from them. However, they are not the best source for good prices on new instruments. Instead, visit www.egauges.com and look at what they have to offer (many brands, many styles). You said you wanted a vintage look so you also should consider trolling eBay (in the U.S.) There are many good deals on used tachs. Older, used tachs are more likely to give you the vintage look you are after. AutoMeter, VDO, and Stewart Warner tachs all show up on eBay.

Regarding the redline of the tach... I wouldn't loose too much sleep about it. If this is a street car, you're unlikely to push the car to critical RPM very often. Regardless, if the tach came out of a Midget (pre-1975?) you should be OK regardless. Like the Mini, the Midget ran the A-series engine until the mid-1970s after which it started using the Triumph 1500cc.

Again, there are some good deals on eBay for nice looking period tachs. I would not hesitate buying one if you find something that has the look you are after. Be sure to post pictures of what you buy and how it looks installed.

[1380rich]

elliot tacho's are brilliant . good quality and fully servicable

[Kombi]

Hello on the west coast!...

Thanks Doug, I'm glad you replied. I've read a few of your posts here and on Mini Mania and have found them to be very helpful.

Right now that Auto Meter unit is a favorite for me. 1) because it should be relatively straightforward to install, 2) because it's already a pod-mounted unit, and 3) I like the vintage look with "modern" internals.

That said, I did find a reconditioned Smiths Tach in the US like the one I linked to from the ebay.uk site. What you say about them not being built for pod mounting is good to know. Modifications are certainly up my alley, but not something I like to set out doing. Is there anything specifically I should watch out for?

Edited by Kombi, 05 December 2009 - 08:21 PM.

[dklawson]

Smiths did make a number of pod mounted aftermarket gauges but most I've seen in the U.S. have been the earlier RVI type. They will work fine on cars with points but they don't like electronic ignitions. Unfortunately, the pod mounted Smiths tachs sell for a lot of money.

For a vintage looking U.S. tach there are the Stewart Warner "Green Line" series. I'm not sure who sells them retail but they are really nice looking instruments.

Some of these eBay listings may close by the time you read this thread again but check these out for ideas for vintage pod mounted tachs.

By item Number...
150393309864 1960s Stewart Warner pod mounted tach with adjustable redline and jumper selectable cylinders.
120499705585 Dixco pod mounted tach. These show up frequently
180439382246 Stewart Warner Green Line tach, SURFACE MOUNT... bolts to dash. (just for reference)
300372777052 Air Guide, pod mounted, 270 degree swing
260514081203 SUN Super Tach II, VERY common and VERY affordable tach.
Probably still available at your local parts store for only slightly more than used on eBay
320456713579 (same as above)

I prefer tachometers (and other gauges) whose needles have more than 90 degrees of sweep because this produces more resolution. However, the 90 degree sweeps are OK and if that's what you want there are lots to choose from. I included in my list above tachs like the first Stewart Warner & Air Guide to show that you can have a period looking gauge that has more resolution on its face. The SUN tachs all have at least 270 degees of sweep. The older SUNs have chrome plated pods while the new gauges have more modern faces and plastic housings. Modern SUN tachs are available from places like AutoZone and Advance Auto.

Good luck and let us know what you choose to install.

[Kombi]

Wow Doug, thanks a million! I've now been introduced to things I didn't even know existed.

Those Stewart Warner green line's are great. And I'm beginning to agree with you on the 90 degree sweep. As much as I like that look, I too prefer the greater resolution of the full-sweep dials. Auto Meter also has traditional full sweep which can be pod mounted so I'll put this one on the list too.

Now the hard part; making a decision...

[Kombi]

I ended buying the Smiths/Caerbont tachometer. I finally got everything installed yesterday and am proud to say it worked the first time (probably just dumb luck).

I looked through a lot of classic tachs on Ebay, but decided this matched the existing instrumentation best and I liked the red-line pointer.

I did a write up about it in my restoration blog; there's even a quick video showing the tach in action. Here's some pictures of the results of the installation.