Adding a Tach to a truck that didnt have one from the factory.

[BullnoseHunter02]

Hey guys, so ive been doing a lot of truck hunting lately, and ive seen that some of these trucks dont have a tach in the dash. Is there a way to replace the blank panel with a tachometer? Id like to have one hopefully, because not having a tach seems kinda silly, and if i end up finding a truck with a manual tranny, it would help me so im not shifting blind per say. Thanks! Input welcome!

[IDIBronco]

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/281470-how-to-factory-tachometer-1980-1986-f-series.html

This should be a good start to how to do that.

[Quarterwave]

Are you looking for a factory replacement or aftermarket?

[Steve83]

Yes, the panel can be swapped or drilled.

http://forum.garysgaragemahal.com/Jarek-s-Tachometer-tp24867.html

[BullnoseHunter02]

Its gonna be a factory part ill probibly need, ill have a look at that thread and see what other people have done.

[1986F150Six]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-86-Ford-F150-F250-F350-Truck-Bronco-Gauge-Instrument-Cluster-With-Tachom/202658653215?hash=item2f2f65a41f:g:s20AAOSwnJpclFE6

https://www.ebay.com/itm/80-86-Ford-Truck-Bronco-gauges-instrument-cluster-speedometer-Tachometer-NICE/173833886829?hash=item28794e9c6d:g:qUUAAOSwW0tciBAJ

This one says Diesel, but is not:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F250-F350-Superduty-Diesel-Instrument-Gauge-Cluster-Tachometer-1980-1986/183788186696?hash=item2acaa12c48:g:guwAAOSwZF5cnbFq

[FuzzFace2]

On my 81 with a 300 six it was easy.
I had the cluster out for replacing bulbs (LED's) and paint the needles.
Beside the tach gauge you also need the printed film for a tach cluster.
I did not need to do anything else but have heard of some needing to do something with a plug under the hood.

Also if you have a six try to find a tach with a max of think it is 4000 as the six will never spin to the 6000 of the other v8 tachs.
I do have a 6000 in mine with the six, could not beat the price of the tach & film from a member.
thanks Jonathan
Dave ----