66 Barracuda Tach question

[Syleng1]

Question about a factory tach repair or replacement:
So I started searching around to see who can restore and calibrate an original 66 Barracuda Tach and I contacted a few places. one place is Auto Instruments as I have heard they do excellent work.
To upgrade the tach to electronic and it will run on any distributor set up $295.00
calibrate the gauge $20.00
Reface the gauge(s) $295.00 ( I believe that cost is for all my gauges)
Plus shipping both ways with a 8-10 weeks wait.

Now Herb's parts has a brand new tach ready to run with any ignition for $220.00 plus shipping and i can have it this week -minus holiday.

I don't know much about Herb's and I kinda have a real issue as I can sell the factory tach and module because it will run with a points distributor perfectly fine.
Has anyone bought one of Herb's tachometers and are they as good in person as they look on TV? Has anyone used AI for gauge work and how is their work?
Thank you,
Joe

 

[cosgig]

I doubt the Herbs unit is the correct for 66 unit, which is bigger and unique to the 66 only dash!!

 

[ZooKypr]

Here is a pic from their website

 

[4spdragtop]

Google "Mr Heaterbox" they redid dads factory 67 and my 69. BUT the 67 tach has to go back to be recalibrated. Its off a bit.
About 2 1/2 hrs from me.

 

[Jim Lusk]

The tach pictured looks like an incorrect replacement for a '67 and too small for the '66. RTE (Main Page - rte) has an electronic board for the '66 can that is $75. That doesn't address any problems with the tach itself, though.

 

[Syleng1]

I doubt the Herbs unit is the correct for 66 unit, which is bigger and unique to the 66 only dash!!

I double checked the web page and they list a "66" only unit.
I've never dealt with Herb's before and was not sure on their honesty. I kinda remember issue back a few years ago but I cannot be certain. If there ever was an issue from others- they may have straightened up and are flying right now for all i know.

 

[RedFish]

I can't recommend any one of the many gauge service vendors out there. Just points for consideration...
One new or rescreened instrument can stick out like a sore thumb where all the others show their age.
A lot of owners will apply screen decals ( easier said than done ) and repaint the needles. They don't realize that the added paint weight can change the calibration. Good luck

 

[ZooKypr]

Here is a pic of the tachometer in my '66 Formula S...Only goes up to 6000 rpms and no redline. Herbs is definitely different.

 

[Syleng1]

ZooKypr- I fully agree. Mine only goes to 6k and the speedo is 150mph. I would hate to modify the specs.
does your run off electronic ignition and have a conversion board or is it ""el natrual?
Joe

 

[ZooKypr]

I run electronic ignition. My tach has always been a bit 'sticky' before and after the elect.ign. switch. It probably just needs some graphite or restoring and never got around to it. I installed an Autometer mounted to the column years ago.

 

[cosgig]

I have the new tach board that R/T Engineering used to sell! It is not the most accurate, and it is tuneable, although the tach still bounces around some! The guy at R/T told me that if you plan on lubing anything on the tach, ONLY use Slick 50 "1 Lube"!

 

[Syleng1]

I have the new tach board that R/T Engineering used to sell! It is not the most accurate, and it is tuneable, although the tach still bounces around some! The guy at R/T told me that if you plan on lubing anything on the tach, ONLY use Slick 50 "1 Lube"!

Thanks for the info. I really want it to work properly but using electronic ignition (actually GM HEI) I thought about selling it and just sticking with my column mounted sun tach.
Thanks for the advice! I also will be running the new f I tech fuel injection set up so having a good spark is a must.
Joe