69 Coronet instrument cluster removal

[69 R/T]

Hey gang, It's advice time again. I want to remove that ugly column mounted tach and install the correct in dash tach in my 69 R/T. I found a perfect copy with the harness from Gotham City Motors, so that's my next project.

What's the easiest way to install this? I'm sure some of you GTX/RoadRunner guys have done this too. Why the Rallye Dash wasn't standard issue on a premium car is beyond me! Thanks in advance.

 

[dodge41969]

Those "Repro" tachs are far from perfect, if you compare it to an original the artwork is kinda "Cartoonish" and the font is wrong, but they seem to work ok, I used to work at "Redline Gauge Works" www.redlinegaugeworks.com
and we used to work on a few of those a year, usually they were just inaccurate,but they did work, every once in a while we'd get one that didn't work at all. we'd actually do a conversion on those using VDO internals, then they were accurate.
I'd check it before installing first, you could use you existing tach wires, or check it under the hood using the battery for power and ground, and negative side of the coil for the signal,make sure the wires are secure out of the way from the fan! have somebody hold it,and start the car,and observe how it reacts, it should be smooth.

as far as installing it in your car, does your car have air cond?, if not, it is doable in the car, I've done quite a few at Redline,
you'd have to lay on your back , remove the 4 screws, holding the blank/clock,with a stubby phillips , the harness should have 2 pieces, usually dark blue (power) and gray negative side of coil.
any doubts or questions send me a message, and I'll be glad to help you out.

 

[MarPar]

Great response

Those "Repro" tachs are far from perfect, if you compare it to an original the artwork is kinda "Cartoonish" and the font is wrong, but they seem to work ok, I used to work at "Redline Gauge Works" www.redlinegaugeworks.com
and we used to work on a few of those a year, usually they were just inaccurate,but they did work, every once in a while we'd get one that didn't work at all. we'd actually do a conversion on those using VDO internals, then they were accurate.
I'd check it before installing first, you could use you existing tach wires, or check it under the hood using the battery for power and ground, and negative side of the coil for the signal,make sure the wires are secure out of the way from the fan! have somebody hold it,and start the car,and observe how it reacts, it should be smooth.

as far as installing it in your car, does your car have air cond?, if not, it is doable in the car, I've done quite a few at Redline,
you'd have to lay on your back , remove the 4 screws, holding the blank/clock,with a stubby phillips , the harness should have 2 pieces, usually dark blue (power) and gray negative side of coil.
any doubts or questions send me a message, and I'll be glad to help you out.

dodge, i have to say that is one of the best, most direct answers to a question i've seen in a while...thank you

it's going to help me a helluva lot!!! :yourock:

 

[dodge41969]

dodge, i have to say that is one of the best, most direct answers to a question i've seen in a while...thank you

it's going to help me a helluva lot!!! :yourock:

You're welcome! Glad to help out,
I just checked out your GTX, Beautiful!, 68' is my Favorite year for GTX's!
if you have any Gauge questions,let me know.

 

[MarPar]

You're welcome! Glad to help out,
I just checked out your GTX, Beautiful!, 68' is my Favorite year for GTX's!
if you have any Gauge questions,let me know.

Thanks!!! ya '68 is my favorite year too!! :grin:

In the next few weeks i may ask you a few questions if i get stuck!!

 

[69 R/T]

Hey guys, thanks for the input. Perhaps I was off on the "perfect" part, but I think it's the only game in town. Supposedly these tachs have updated modern guts, and it's more for looks and basic info than anything else. I haven't seen one in person, I'm going off the picture provided by the vendor. And no, the car has no AC, so I might be able to wing it in place. I thought I may have to remove the cluster to access it. MarPar is dead on about you, Dodge. That's a very informative and detailed explanation. Thank you!

 

[dodge41969]

Hey guys, thanks for the input. Perhaps I was off on the "perfect" part, but I think it's the only game in town. Supposedly these tachs have updated modern guts, and it's more for looks and basic info than anything else. I haven't seen one in person, I'm going off the picture provided by the vendor. And no, the car has no AC, so I might be able to wing it in place. I thought I may have to remove the cluster to access it. MarPar is dead on about you, Dodge. That's a very informative and detailed explanation. Thank you!

I didn't mean to sound like a "Smart ***" with the "Far From Perfect" remark.

Having just looked at your R/T, I've decided it's far too "Nice"
for one of those tachs!, I'd find an original and have "Redline" convert/restore it,
your car disserves the best!

I have a 69' Coronet 500 I've had since 1980, I love the triple taillights it shares with the R/T!
are you going to the "Spring Fling" next month?, I'll be in the Swap Meet area with my Coronet selling parts.
the shows 3 miles from my house!

 

[spiros]

Those "Repro" tachs are far from perfect, if you compare it to an original the artwork is kinda "Cartoonish" and the font is wrong, but they seem to work ok, I used to work at "Redline Gauge Works" www.redlinegaugeworks.com
and we used to work on a few of those a year, usually they were just inaccurate,but they did work, every once in a while we'd get one that didn't work at all. we'd actually do a conversion on those using VDO internals, then they were accurate.
I'd check it before installing first, you could use you existing tach wires, or check it under the hood using the battery for power and ground, and negative side of the coil for the signal,make sure the wires are secure out of the way from the fan! have somebody hold it,and start the car,and observe how it reacts, it should be smooth.

as far as installing it in your car, does your car have air cond?, if not, it is doable in the car, I've done quite a few at Redline,
you'd have to lay on your back , remove the 4 screws, holding the blank/clock,with a stubby phillips , the harness should have 2 pieces, usually dark blue (power) and gray negative side of coil.
any doubts or questions send me a message, and I'll be glad to help you out.

hey dodge i was going to install the same tach but now im thinking why i cant do it with an ac car ,the 68rr is an ac car but its not in working condition,is there someway to do it
thanks spiro

 

[Dennis H]

I kinda like the column Tach. I have a tic-toc that is not working, and still have the column tach. I recommend a rusty hose-clamp to secure it though. It is endearing to Galen Govier.

Y2, San Jose. Have I seen your car?

 

[ykf7b0]

I believe you will have a very difficult time installing this in the car even without a/c. I would remove the front seat and the cluster. Just my experience. Good Luck!

 

[69 R/T]

Sorry for the delay guys. I was able to install the tach with instrument cluster in place by accessing it from the right side of the car. Open the door with your knees on the ground, belly on the floor, and you can see it and get to it fine....NO A/C of course! The Redline Gauge Works tach is a honey and works well. If you still run points like I do, tell Shannon when you order it so he can wire in a diode, otherwise it reads crazy.

I found this out the hard way! But I soldered in a diode on the tach lead, and it was reading fine. I'm super happy with it and RGW. Thanks for all the advice guys!!! Ted