63 Tach Repair Help

[Norm B.]

The tach in my 63 started squealing and the needle started bouncing severely and then broke off. The hub is still on the tach. I stopped the car and disconnected the cable to get me home. I now have the instrument cluster out on the bench and have removed the tach and speedometer. When I turn the shaft of the tach by hand I can feel it binding. I would like to try to repair it myself but at this point I am not sure if I should continue or send it out for the experts to deal with. Does anyone know if there is anything information out there that covers repair of the actual tach itself? Is this something that requires specialized equipment or skills?

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 Tach Repair Help

The tach in my 63 started squealing and the needle started bouncing severely and then broke off. The hub is still on the tach. I stopped the car and disconnected the cable to get me home. I now have the instrument cluster out on the bench and have removed the tach and speedometer. When I turn the shaft of the tach by hand I can feel it binding. I would like to try to repair it myself but at this point I am not sure if I should continue or send it out for the experts to deal with. Does anyone know if there is anything information out there that covers repair of the actual tach itself? Is this something that requires specialized equipment or skills?

You will be time and money ahead to send it out to an expert. Joe Ray, who is a sometimes poster here, is the first person I would think about sending it to. You can get his contact info from the contacts on the tool bar above.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 Tach Repair Help

If you just want it repaired instead of restored, I have had good luck with local speedo/tach repair facilities similar to my favorite in Denver called deluxe speedometer. They have installed new heads on both of my 63 speedo & tach for a very reasonal price & next day or same day turnaround. No shipping-what a concept! check your yellow pages and ask a lot of questions. Most major citys have places that do this work for local dealers. Mine is a delco distributor also. good hunting. Paul

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 Tach Repair Help

Paul's on the money here! Many forget that there was an independent distribution channel (United Delco) which predated GM's acquisition. Many of these original dealers are still in business, have the various GM service bulletins, retain a parts inventory separate from Chevrolet or AC-Delco AND have the factory original calibration equipment to work on speedo/tach assy's...

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 Tach Repair Help

Paul's on the money here! Many forget that there was an independent distribution channel (United Delco) which predated GM's acquisition. Many of these original dealers are still in business, have the various GM service bulletins, retain a parts inventory separate from Chevrolet or AC-Delco AND have the factory original calibration equipment to work on speedo/tach assy's...

In my part of the country, they have all evolved into repairing the electronic dashes, and most of the shops that are still open (very few) do not have anyone that could work on a speedo that old.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 Tach Repair Help

Dick, It must be one other advantage of living in the mile high. My deluxe speedometer experts have all worked there for years. Yes, they do work on the new electronic stuff but they seem to delight in seeing something old come in the door. I wouldn't give up. There are a lot of old timers still in the business and having a nos speedo head up in the attic is an added bonus. I paid a hundred bucks for mine installed. Just putting it out as an option although I respect and admire Jay Rays work and reputation. Paul