recommendation on a tachometer on 1936 ford flathead

T

throwback

Senior Member
Is there any recommendations for any tachometer and method of installing on a 1936 ford flathead engine?

Thanks
 
I'm sure there are folks here who are willing and able to help you with your tachometer question. I would like to know the answer to your question as well. I would have liked to had a tach on my '35 to know engine RPM when I had 4.11 rear gears vs. what they are now with 3.78 gears. Would also like to know actual engine RPM difference between having 600x16 vs. 750x16 rear tires. I know all of this can be calculated but I would like to see the actual numbers. Would also like to have a tach for checking RPM while shifting gears. This is not just information that a street rodder would like to know.
 
I cant help with specific make, but if you search for an electronic tach, you will find that many of them use the distributor to coil wire (low volt) to trigger their sensor. The tach has a switch on the back to go between 4, 6 and 8 cylinders. It could just be that they are not voltage sensitive. Would be worth asking the manufacturer/dealer.

Cheers, Tom.
 
A friend advised try "Tinytach.com" for a small digital tach he uses. Works really well on his Model A. Works on V8. Not pretty for dash, but easily mounted anywhere for reference purposes.
 
I would give Don a call @ Williamson Instruments.He is doing an electronic conversion on a old SW Tach for me .I think they have a lifetime warranty? when completed
 
I got a 6-volt tach for my 46 from Westach and it works great. Simple 2 wire hook-up to the coil and 1 wire for the light and you are done. Works great! Here's their website. http://westach.com/
 
Many of the early flathead tachometers I have seen worked by having a mechanical pick-up plate mounted between the engine and the distributor. Given the distance between the stock '36 distributor and the radiator would seem to prevent its' use.

Tom
 
Here's what Tom is probably talking about, all old SW hardware designed for flathead application. Actually connects to the crank snout.
 

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Steves46 said:
I got a 6-volt tach for my 46 from Westach and it works great. Simple 2 wire hook-up to the coil and 1 wire for the light and you are done. Works great! Here's their website. http://westach.com/
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These are great Steve,have one my self,just haven't installed it yet. Check there web site. There cool. ken ct. for a 36 also.
 
Westach is the place to go for a 6 or 12 volt tach. This company has been in business for many years. The owner ,(who is now deceased), was a V-8 Club member.
 
Larson and others who want a private web site should start their own. Ford Barn and other sites have been a blessing to everybody. Just because someone has a question that you feel is not appropriate does not mean it is in the wrong forum. Look at the responses he got.

Maybe you hould go to the street rod forum!
 
Thanks to those that responded positively. I look to this site as a source of great information. While I love a truly beautiful stock original barn find and the concourse beauty queen, I also love the practical information I can glean here to make my car as dependable, roadworthy and enjoyable as possible. Sometimes that might include a non-standard modification that allows me peace of mind when out enjoying the road. I also know seeing others on the road inspires me and hopefully others to continue this great hobby.
 
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