Hood Tachs

[dforsyth]

I am an author and am writing an article one the use of hood tachs on musclecars and am needing information on the Hoods Tachs used by Yenko.
1. I need to know who made them?
2. What years were they offered?
3. What cars were they offered on?
4. Were there different Hood tachs makers for the Yenko Hood Tach?
5. Part numbers?


If you have any info on any Hood Tachs on NON Yenko cars please do not hesitate to let me know.
I will be happy to include you as a source of information.

And Thanks for all the help.
Dave

[email protected]

[Supercar_Kid]

Ok Dave, I'll start with the obligatory "Please fill in your profile information." It's kind of a common courtesy thing we do around here, as most of the members of this site like to know who they're dealing with up front, but since you're a newbie, I thought I'd get that out of the way and save someone else the trouble of saying it. But on to the hood tachs. First off the hood tachs used by Yenko were manufactured by the Dixco corporation, a fairly popular supplier of aftermarket gauges and tachs in the late 60's early 70's. They were installed by Yenko exclusively on the 1970 model "Yenko Deuce" LT/1 powered Novas, and were an "HT/x" model as they were dubbed by Dixco. They came in several RPM ranges but Yenko used the 8,000 RPM version on his Deuces. They also carried a Yenko only white silkscreened Yenko crest logo on the faceplate, while over the counter versions carried HT/x logos. They were also available with other logos through other sources, but Yenko exclusively used his own crest design. As for the picture you posted, that tach is most likely an over the counter version, with the original HT/x silkscreen rubbed off and a homemade Yenko crest glued on. It's definitely not an original Yenko installed unit, and the add on logo jumps right out to the trained eye. I'd go on...but then again it's you who's writing the article right?

[dforsyth]

The pic is of an ORIGINAL Yenko Duece hood tach so I know it is real. I have updated my personal info so feel free to read it.
If you have a pic of what you consider a real Yenko tach please let me know.
I know they used Dixco but another was used as I own examples of both and the one in question was NOT made by Dixco but we know came on the car originally.
I have attached a pic of the inside of tach.
Please understand I have seen several like this and that is why I am here asking.

[dforsyth]

This is a Dixco tach internal mechanism so you may compare to the previous attachment. I have several Dixco hood tachs and one is on my Galaxie so that is how I got started collecting them.
thanks

[dforsyth]

If anyone has a close up pic of a Yenko Duece hood tach that is unrestored and untouched I would extremely appreciate it.
And please inform me of anything you know as I would not have asked if I had known. I will never be offended by being informed of something I did not know.
I have attached one more pic showing a closer clearer pic of the Yenko logo of my Duece hood tach.

[55chevy]

David, Supercar Kid is right. That tach you show pics of was on Ebay not long ago and we had some fun with it then too. It's not an original Yenko tach. You can tell by the obviously home made decal that looks like it was done on computer printer paper. It is however the right KIND of tach that was on the Deuces. Just an original HT/x. I'm sure one of the guys on here with a real Deuce wouldn't mind getting you a close up of a real one. But as far as info on these tachs, I'd say listen to what Supercar Kid and his brother CamaroJoe have to say as they (the Barr brothers) are a pretty good authority on this stuff. You should've made the trek to SCR6 to see their Supercar memorabila collection first hand. Incredible. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[dforsyth]

Not so much doubting them but understand the inards of these tachs are different. See the 2 attachments to see they are 2 totally different tachs. The Dixco have black plastic inards and the Yenko tachs are clear.
The question should be I guess; who made the clear plastic hood tachs?????

Dixco did NOT make the clear ones.
Thanks

[Supercar_Kid]

Dave, you might want to start by reading this thread (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=61938&Forum=Al l_Forums&Words=ultra%20bogus&Searchpage=0&Limit=25 &Main=61820&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&datera nge=0&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bo dyprev=#Post61938) on your tach that was started here awhile back. I describe what I know about the Dixco units pretty well, and rather than retype it all it may be easier to gain some knowledge from the previous thread. Please take no offense if you're the person who shelled out the $875 for the unit, we're sort of close knit around here and alot of us (including myself) thought there was some shenanigans being pulled by the seller. We tend to bring these kinds of things out into the open here on the sYc forum to prevent future misunderstandings. As for an authentic Deuce tach, you'll see one here. Deuce Tach (http://www.members.aol.com/erikbarr/DeuceTach.jpeg) I apologize for the poor image quality, but it's the best I could get as it's actually a still created from a digital video clip I have of it functioning on the car. You'll note the logo is a simple white silkscreen on the black plastic of the tach face. I assume it was created in the very same process as the HT/x logos Dixco used on their own over the counter units. Most likely a "tampo" stamp as the Hot Wheels guys refer to it as. As to what your tach is, I can't say for sure, as I haven't had any original Dixco units apart. I know that the face looks to be a Dixco HT/x over the counter unit, but J.C. Whitney also used to sell a similar tach well up into the 80's and perhaps even the early 90's, that had the same body as the Dixco unit but with a multi colored RPM range, I belive it had red, yellow, and green in it's sweep stripe, but I won't swear to it. Perhaps your tach is the Whitney unit with a Dixco face swapped on, but I assure you the face is not an original Yenko installed unit. It looks to be an amateurish recreation of some sort, the origin of which I can only speculate, but it looks awfully "digital" to me to have been created in the 60's or 70's. My guess is it's an ink jet print out on a piece of paper, trimmed out and glued to the plain black face, which had been wiped clean of it's HT/x silkscreen. these silkscreens are quite delicate, and rub off rather easily. You'll note part of the top of the crest is missing in the attached Deuce tach pic. If you wanted this silkscreen gone, all it would take is a little lacquer thinner. I don't claim to be any sort of self proclaimed expert, and I'm not saying what I've posted here is the end all be all of hood mounted tachometer information, but what I've said here I believe to be 100% accurate and you can take what you will from it. Perhaps my brother "Camarojoe" can chime in with further info, as I know he has several NOS in the box Dixco HT/x tachs and a whole collection of original Dixco HT/x advertisements, including as a press kit that was intended only to be received by speed shops and authorized Dixco retailers. In it there are some Dixco hood mounted units I'm sure many of you would be surprised to see, but he's kind of a stickler about reproducing that stuff here on the internet for all the world to see, where people like the seller of the said "ultra bogus" tach would have a field day making quick $$$ off of the knowledge he'd like to share with all you honest folk here on the sYc. I hope I've been helpful Dave, welcome to the site.

[camarojoe]

First off Dave, you already are off with some facts. BOTH tachs you show are indeed made by Dixco. the 1st tach you have pictured is indeed a Dixco HT/x, but it is definitely NOT an original Yenko faceplate. The Yenko logo is homemade and is not correct, as has already been stated. The "other tach" you post pics of is also made by Dixco, and is a later version of the HT/x. The first one is the correct (for Yenko applications) "1st version", and should feature round bullet-type "push in" connectors on the wires, whereas the second version you show uses regular "flat" wire connectors. The newer version also uses a plastic nut on the bottom to attach it to the hood, where the original version used a steel nut. The second versions I have seen always seem to have the "colored" face, with a red, green, and yellow stripe around the top edge of the face. BOTH versions you show are made by Dixco, and were actually marketed by many different vendors, who often paid to have their own names and logos on the face. Ford, Mopar, JC Penney, JC Whitney, etc. all sold versions of this tach, and all were manufactured by Dixon (Dixco). By the way, What publication are you writing this article for, might I ask? Sounds like Supercarkid already has it written for ya. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[mnyenko]

David,
My original hood tach has the clear plastic insides that you show.The black plastic insides look like a newer tach.Couldn't they both be Dixico made at different times?Earl

[camarojoe]

Here's another pic of a correct Yenko silk screened Dixco HT/x, although it appears the adjustable redline pointer is missing on this one. http://www.yenko.net/dealers/dixco.jpg

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
David,
My original hood tach has the clear plastic insides that you show.The black plastic insides look like a newer tach.Couldn't they both be Dixico made at different times?Earl

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats exactly what they are Earl. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[dforsyth]

I do not own the "ebay" tach but another one.
If someone would like to send me a focused pic of the Duece Tach I would appreciate it.
And the article is far from written unless you are including all makes of cars and the years and part numbers for those tachs.
I also am researching the uses for Mopar and Ford.
If this is an early Dixco Tach that is great as it will prove a theory of mine but still does not help me unless I have proof.
The proof being when they changed the style and part numbers on paper.
As you can see it is not as simple as someone saying it is correct. It is only correct if found in documentation.
Thanks
And I am submitting this article to Automobile with several other articles.

[camarojoe]

If the tach you have pictured is not the one that was on ebay a few weeks ago, Where did you get that tach you are posting pics of? Were you the seller of the ebay tach? As for photo clarity, i think the pics are clear enough to see the obvious difference between a real Yenko silkscreened logo and the bad copy you posted pics of.

[dforsyth]

From ebay. But not the one you are showing. Mine must have been silkscreened as it wiped off when I cleaned it. Now it is blank. But the interior is the same as the one shown (with one wire broken off though). The tach restorationist (D&M guage restorations) I am sending it to wanted me to verify the maker of it. This is due to it not being like the black bodied Dixco he normally restores.
The only reason I purchased this for my collection was it was the clear bodied style and I had been told all the Yenko Hood tachs came this way.
thanks

[dforsyth]

I hate to say it but I have never sold one of my hood tachs. I just can't seem to let them go. I will get my wife to take some digitals pics of mine tonight if you would like to see it. Although after cleaning it I broke off the wire accidently and popped a tang off the bezel pulling it apart to clean it.
I used the Ebay pic as it is the same as what was on mine and easier to grab than wait till my wife gets home to take pics. And mine is blank now due to my over cleaning.

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
mine is blank now due to my over cleaning.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif to quote Homer Simpson... "DOLP!" You better HOPE your tach was homemade like the one on ebay that you posted and claimed was yours. I do not believe the ebay one (the one you posted pics of) was silkscreened. if yours was, and you wiped it off, you possibly ruined the original face logo of a real Deuce tach...

[dforsyth]

DOLP is right. I almost cried. But it only got worse when I broke off the wire. It is the only clear bodied tach I have been able to find and was and is to be the pride of my collection. Next only to my new condition Mopar one (Mopar being silk screened on face).

[Supercar_Kid]

Dave, after receiving tons of valuable information, including a pic of an authentic Deuce tach, you say [ QUOTE ]
As you can see it is not as simple as someone saying it is correct. It is only correct if found in documentation.

[/ QUOTE ] But then go on to add, concerning your own clear bodied tach...[ QUOTE ]
The only reason I purchased this for my collection was it was the clear bodied style and I had been told all the Yenko Hood tachs came this way.

[/ QUOTE ] Hmm...seems "had been told" is good enough for you to buy a tach, but not for you to "buy" what I'm saying. If my info isn't as good as your other sources, I suggest you ask them then. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

[dforsyth]

Told was good enough to me to buy it but not good enough to put in an article that I hope to get paid to publish.

A magazine will NOT print an article unless I have something to back it up! That means on paper!
Duh

[Supercar_Kid]

[ QUOTE ]
Told was good enough to me to buy it but not good enough to put in an article that I hope to get paid to publish.

[/ QUOTE ] So far, I'd give you 2 cents for your article, and your ruined tach. Duh! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[NCGuy68]

Dave....please show the tach in its current condition. That will help identify it. We've all made mistakes trying to 'clean-up' desirable parts.

I'am a subscriber to Mopar Action and hold Rick Ehrenberg in high regard in the Mopar camp. Similarly, there are users on this board that have excellent knowledge of GM products.

A before and after picture of your Tach will be most helpfull.

[LVCamaro]

If you need it on paper, then how 'bout click the "print" button, with paper in your printer...DUH.

SS

[dforsyth]

I didn't come here to get berated, supercar_kid. So you can keep your negative comments to yourself and I will be happy to go elsewhere for verifible information.
I do my best to write good articles and to be very factual but I am far from perfect.
Feel free to look in the current issue of Mopar Action to see my work.
Not one word gets printed unless I can prove to the tech editor it is a "fact" and is not in dispute.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif I am so sorry to be beneath you and all your infinte wisdom.
Try writing for a living and then come back with a valuable comeback and something worth my 2 cents http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Charley.gif

[LVCamaro]

David,
Erik and Joe Barr just shared information with you in less than an hour that might take someone a year to discover/research on their own. Your first post asks for information from anyone that could help. Your response seems to discount the information offered, or even disqualify the information provided. That could be frustrating to someone trying to help you with information obtained over the course of several years. Just seems a little thankless, but I'm sure no harm was intended.

SS

[dforsyth]

By the way supercar_kid I will not start a flame war over your imatuarity but I have to wonder if you as an "enthusiast" can really appreciate what someone who really works in this hobby goes through.

If you are going to play with the big boys you might want to educate yourself on what goes on behind the scenes of your enthusiast lifestyle of reading what I write.

If supercar_kid is the example of what is here I will be happy to go elsewhere.

For the rest of you, keep up the good work and the site looks good.

[Supercar_Kid]

Dave, where to begin? First of all, everything I have posted thus far is fact. I’ll print it on a piece of paper if that makes it more believable for you or your editors. You came on here asking for info and I provided it to the best of my ability. You’re the one who claims to be an expert, not I...need I quote myself “I don't claim to be any sort of self proclaimed expert, and I'm not saying what I've posted here is the end all be all of hood mounted tachometer information, but what I've said here I believe to be 100% accurate and you can take what you will from it.” You claim I “berated” you when I think it’s quite the other way around. You’ve posted numerous false, unsupported statements, such as the fact that Yenko hood tachs weren’t made by Dixco, when in FACT they were. You also implied that the tach you posted wasn’t the one on ebay, which it IS. I corrected your misguided statements to the best of my ability, and then you claim that my word isn’t good enough, that you need documentation. So not only do you want all the info myself and others have already done the research on, but also any original documents, photos, and paperwork they might have, so you can publish it in a national publication for a profit? To me it sounds like you are fishing for free info to profit on. Essentially you want someone else to do all your legwork while you sit and take it all in so you can write your "factual" article and collect a check for someone else's hard work. If you want to give me your editor’s address, I will gladly write a FACTUAL article myself, and I can provide all the detailed documents and photographs needed, since I’ve already done years of research on these tachometers, and between my brother and I, we’ve collected more than a few examples worthy of publication, including 3 NOS Dixco units in the boxes, with all paperwork, warranty info, etc. and the original promotional info press packet explaining to dealers exactly what a Dixco HT/x had to offer, including photos, and even a script for a radio advertising spot, not to mention photos of several Dixco hood tach variations that you’d be delighted to even know exist. If you weren’t so arrogant and unappreciative, I’d think about sharing some of this info with you, like my brother and I do with everyone else who shows the interest at each and every one of the the annual Supercar Reunions. Wanna be a professional automotive journalist, how about doing your own research, and gathering some facts for yourself. Sounds to me like you’re looking for the Cliff’s notes on Dixco hood tachs for you overdue homework assignment. Just curious, what part of this article have YOU researched or written so far?

[LVCamaro]

If you're not trying to start a flame, then why the last post? That's your second offer to move along and I haven't heard any objection. Watch that doorknob...

SS

[dforsyth]

Unless it is documentation it does little to help. An editor sees it as hearsay unless I have it on paper.
For example: I could not print the actual date the 'Cuda was designed if I did not have the engineering docs to back it up. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif Which I do.

If anyone would like to continue to contact me on the hood tach matter please do so at my private email [email protected] as I am shutting this down.

And to Joe Barr, thank you. I did find his information helpful and contacted him privately if all must be known.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]


If supercar_kid is the example of what is here I will be happy to go elsewhere.



[/ QUOTE ]

SupercarKid has helped your project out as much as anyones could have or will have. Don't let the door hit you on the a$s on your way out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[55chevy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[dforsyth]

Sorry to hear that from the person I was told had the documentation.
As it is said put your money where your mouth is and you guys obviously have none http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
And I do.

[55chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
.
As it is said put your money where your mouth is and you guys obviously have none http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
And I do.

[/ QUOTE ]

David... If you would take even 5 minutes to research this site.. you would realize that these ARE the people who do OWN ALL the stuff that you pride yourself in "writing about".. With your slandering comments and "better than us ALL because you write for CHRIST.. 'Mopar Action'".. ATTITUDE.. then bashing those who TRIED helping you in your effort.. You aren't putting a positive light on your name here.. And I have seen your name in print before.. But now seeing how you work.. I might not be inclined to read your next effort.. And I can probably speak for more than a few of us guys "who can't put our money where our mouth is.. cause you can". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gifhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[Steve_Hoog]

I'm not sure if this thread or Dana man's Camaro is more amusing.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Pantera]

Hot Damm I just love to watch a spirited discussion un fold. Funny how it is so easy to watch someone make a fool of themself's and not even realize what they have done.

Seriously tho it is a shame that this went the way it did. I guess some ego's are just not going to even consider that someone could know more about a subject than they do.

I hope that he learns to appoligize and allow others to give him what they know with out being so negitive. A good writer should be a better listner and just ask the hard questions to glean whatever info he needs for his article. Mind you I have nothing against Mopar's and in fact I even drive one (A Van). Heck, I like all kinds of cars. I even own a RX-7 Convertable. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Steve_Hoog]

Larry the RX-7 is on the verge of TMI.

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to hear that from the person I was told had the documentation.
As it is said put your money where your mouth is and you guys obviously have none http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
And I do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do ya now??? Well, Here it is, everything you'd ever want to know about a Dixco hood tach, and then some... 3 full page letters from the manufacturer, explaining the history of the company, and various features and models of the HT/x, prototype versions of 2 full page ads, a script for a 20 second radio spot, a and enough info to do about 3 articles...not to mention the actual NOS HT/x hood tach itself, (with the clear plastic internals) still in the sealed original box. No BS, just everything Supercarkid stated I had. I wasn't gonna bother posting this, but it sounds like you are trying to accuse me of not having the goods... well, here's a small sample. I have more but really don't feel the need to dig any more out at 1:10 in the morning. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/attachments/64100-dixcostuff4.jpg

[hvychev]

When it comes to supercar memorabilia I don't think ANYBODY out there can hold a candle to the Barr boys. dforsyth I will make a bet that you can go on every other musclecar/supercar related discussion board out there and not find even half as good of an explanation on the Dixco hood tachs as was given to you by Erik Barr. And as far as the goods I think that Joe Barr has delivered by far!

[ QUOTE ]
If you are going to play with the big boys you might want to educate yourself on what goes on behind the scenes of your enthusiast lifestyle of reading what I write.

[/ QUOTE ]

By the way if you want to "play with the big boys" on issues related to the topic of supercars THIS is where you come to get the info... THE ORIGINAL www.yenko.net. (http://www.yenko.net.) Not some candy ass magazine where the writers are out scrambling for inaccurate info that they can pass off to the uniformed so they look smart. I definitely think that you barked up the wrong tree here and look foreword to seeing the outcome of the article......

[MrsBillyBobcat]

[ QUOTE ]
Larry the RX-7 is on the verge of TMI.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif No, Steve...THIS is "Too Much Information" (your quotes from other threads on here):

[ QUOTE ]
I like Viagra more.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not one for wearing clothes, normally.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Sorry guys...I just had to do it!

Rita http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[bkhpah]

Man, spoon feed a guy all the answers and he spits it back out at you. I will look forward to his indepth article and see how much he lifted from this thread...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif