BJ42, HJ47 Tachometer Bezel Dimensions

[Mopdog]

"Factory" Tachometer for 40 series BJ, FJ

Being that I have been unable to find one of these at all, let alone at a reasonable price, I am looking for the exact dimensions of one so I can replicate it as close as possible. If you are lucky enough to have one of these will you please measure it and post up your measurements, thickness, width, height, hole size and location, size and height of raised square, etc. I plan on milling it out of aluminum and fitting an aftermarket tach that looks as close to stock as I can find in it. Hopefully this way I will be able to put it to the left of the stock cluster and not have to mess with the defroster clearance as others have. I appologize in advance if this has been posted. I have searched and found several related threads but no dimensions. Thanks

 

[twoturtlesracing]

Bump for a good cause!

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I can get measurements for you in a couple weeks next time I'm in the shop...

Bump this thread on December 10 if I have forgotten...

Dan

 

[Mopdog]

Thanks for the replys, I will bump in a couple weeks if nobody posts up.

 

[amaurer]

Some kind mudder lent me one of these to take a mold of once upon a time - ultimately I decided not to produce them because the parts that came out of the mold required too much finishing to be saleable.

If you're interested in doing the work to clean it up, however, I could cast one for you for a small fee.

 

[Mopdog]

Pm sent

 

[amaurer]

In the mail.

 

[Teebag]

Thats cool, I want one. Imagine the neon you can put behind that

 

[imabigbangkindaguy]

So what was the small fee??

 

[Mopdog]

If you have tried to track one of these down you will see that Drew did me a big favor and made me a great deal. Out of respect for that I will let him answer if he wants. That said, when it arrives I an going to use the measurements to mill one out of aluminum to perfectly fit a 5k tach that looks fairly close to the stock cluster. This should allow for a little more flexability in regard to rear housing and help with clearance behind the dash. If it works I will post it up and run a few extra if people want them.

 

[imabigbangkindaguy]

If you have tried to track one of these down you will see that Drew did me a big favor and made me a great deal. Out of respect for that I will let him answer if he wants. That said, when it arrives I an going to use the measurements to mill one out of aluminum to perfectly fit a 5k tach that looks fairly close to the stock cluster. This should allow for a little more flexability in regard to rear housing and help with clearance behind the dash. If it works I will post it up and run a few extra if people want them.

Show me what you got baby!!!!


Mind you, the one thing I learned when putting my tach in is, that it was more fab work than I was expecting! I think that is the continuing theme with all Cruiser mods, but that is just part of the fun.



I did not realize how deep the stock casing is, nor did I consider that it would completely obscure the windsheild defrost vent directly behind it. I solved this my just jamming it in, and smoosing the duct tubing. Fortunately the windsheild defrost still works great!

I also looked at after market tachs, in regard to how deep their casings were. By the looks of them (on the shelf), they too looked to be too deep.

So if you are putting this into a Left Hand Drive Cruiser and you want to install the tach on the Right side of the Gauge Cluster, which ever tach you choose to run with, MAKE SURE THE TACH IS VERY THIN!!!!
If you place the tach on the Left side of you cluster, well no vents but you have to move the Headlight switch, and probably get rid of your lower dash pads. Both were things I did not want to do.

I would love to see a Digital Tach.

Either way, if the price is right, count me in on one of those extra run offs.

 

[78Cruzr]

I would be interested in one also... which tach are you planning?

You might ask Drew for the computer model... he has to have some electronic data to produce the mold.

 

[Mopdog]

I will probably go with the autometer Z series tach, they are a good size for the bezel, look fairly close to stock, and are available in a few different RPM's. I have been looking around for something else with a litle lower price tag but there isn't much out there as far as low rpm options. What I have found is only available in 2" which will look a little small in the bezel. A 10,000 RPM Tach does't make much sense for a 40 even if it is a Chevota. I am going to look at a couple industrial supply places next week just to see if there is a quality unit out there that might not have the price tag associated with a big brand name. If anybody knows of a good option I am missing, please post up. Thanks

 

[Mopdog]

First prototype is in, couldn't resist giving you guys a little sneak peek. It needs an adjustment or two, a little paint, and some hardware. I have been reading up on the closest match for the silver paint, doesn't look like anybody has a dead on match. I guess i will order up a few different types and try them out.

 

[cruiserjunkie]

That looks sharp

 

[My71FJ40]

I want one. One thing...is it just me or is your version just a little taller on the step up/down? It doesn't look so tall on the original. Nice work though...good enough without paint

 

[Mopdog]

Thanks for the comments, this has been a little more of a project than I had anticipated. (I think they are all like that.)

The step size is the same, the radius on it is slightly different. Some of it may be the light or angle of the picture as well, here is another one. I used a different radius to try and keep the flat part of the face as close to the original as possible. The new guage is a little larger and in my original drawings looked "crammed in" with the other radius on it. Most of the dimentions are the same as the original with a couple exceptions. The rounded edge radius is slightly different on the outside edge and on the step, the gauge opening is slightly larger, has a different profile for the new gauge, and is centered for mounting on either side of the cluster. The outside dimentions, step size and height, mounting holes, coutersinks, and overall thickness are all the same as the original.

 

[kling-on]

That's cool... You going to sell em too ??

 

[thetoyotaman]

I have that same tach mounted in aluminum where the ashtray goes and it works great! On my '82 I found on the back of the cluster the tach lead which made it really easy to hook up. You are doing a great job on this. Can't wait to see the final product installed.

 

[Mopdog]

That's cool... You going to sell em too ??

I would like to sell them but I will have to see what kind of interest there will be and where the pricing lands. The landcruiser community by nature of the vehicle they drive seems willing to pay a fair price for quality. Given the amount of money I have into my 40, and I still cant drive it, I dont think the price will be an issue. It will be a little while before they are available though, I will get the final changes to the back of the bezel to the machinist next week and then he will put them into the production lineup and get me a timeline.