Timothy Keith-Lucas Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 1962 S2 America I'd like to keep my original Smith tach, or keep the appearance similar at least. It looks like my options are 1. Replica tach that is mechanical while mine is electric. $35. Austin engine. 2. Buy the conversion kit, including positve ground. $100 3. Send it off to be repaired. $250 4. Add a digital to the dashboard. $15. Does anyone have experience with the first two options? Is there an easy route for a tach cable to the Austin engine? Is DIY repair doable or risky? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Keith-Lucas Posted January 17, 2023 Author Share Posted January 17, 2023 Didn't state the problem. It reads 6,000 RPM at idle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMRL7 Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 I sent mine to Nisonger to be rebuilt and set to positive ground. I do not recall the cost, but it works great. 1966 Lotus seven S2. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Keith-Lucas Posted January 17, 2023 Author Share Posted January 17, 2023 Nisonger stopped doing repair work after their shop was flooded by hurricane Ida. The $250 is the quote from D&M Restoration. Nisonger does have new tachs, but they don't post their prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Westfield Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 (edited) I can't see a $35 mech tach being worth the time to install it, plus needing to figure out a drive for it. If you do it, probably need a generator from a Bugeye Sprite, they drove tach from rear of generator. Being a 1962, I would have expected it to be mech originally. Can't recall the name, but there is a repair place in Albequerque that I used years ago, might check with them Edited January 17, 2023 by 7Westfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toldfield Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Try these guys… https://www.nhspeedometer.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Keith-Lucas Posted January 17, 2023 Author Share Posted January 17, 2023 As a temporary solution while I work this out I'll install one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VBBRSJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I used one on a motorcycle that lacks a tach. They have their own button battery, and connect by simply wrapping the end of a sensor wire around a spark plug lead. The screen is big enough to read in motion, and you get engine hours when it shuts off. Damned convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Cheap as chips and works like a charm: https://www.clocks4classics.com/tachometer-repair-kit-details.html Put one in my Smiths tach. Two thumbs up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Should mention it is a tight fit in an 80mm tach. I had to slot the side of the housing. Make sure you seal it up with good tape and then just tilt as you reinstall the tach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Keith-Lucas Posted January 22, 2023 Author Share Posted January 22, 2023 Thanks so much for both the site and the installation tip. I wrestled mine out of the panel, and yes, it is one that their board fits. That's a better price and a simpler installation than the other boards I've been able to find. I've ordered one. I appreciate the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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