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Just in case someone might be interested, after many years of looking for a Tachometer for my 1940 - 216, I had one made up by Bob's Speedometer (advertisted in Old Cars Magazine). I have details of order, took about 2 1/2 weeks and am completely satisfied, and found out I'm doing 2750 RPM's at 55 MPH, which I think is great. It' a round 2" black face, white numbers, range 0 to 3500, made for 6 Volt - Love it....
E-mail is whmarquis@aol.com - Happy to Share...
Wes Marquis
six volts forever
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Wes,
Great info! I recall several threads about 6 volt tachs. I'll bet many will be appreciative of your info. Not for me at the moment, but curious as to total cost.....
Bill.
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
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The cost of the tach was $146 and change including shipping, came UPS.
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That sounds like a good deal to me! Maybe not like a Sun Tach for $14.95 in 1959. But quite a deal these days. Thanks for the info, Wes......
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Wes,
I'm curious. Is your 40 stock? 4.11 rear, 600-16 tires? I would have guessed rpm would be higher. That would make my 37 a bit less with the 3.73 rear. I guess Chevy knew what they were doing. And just think...before computers!! When people had to figure things out using the old noggin. Good post/info.
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Kenk,
The engine is stock, I put a 3.73 gear cluster in the rear end.
By the way, I built a fold up gauge cluster under the dash for shows, etc. I fold it down while driving, it has a 2 1/2 Temperature (water out) a vacuum gauge and now the tach, also has 2 switches (Parade Fan and Electric fuel pump. Can't be seen when in Up postion...
Wes
Wes
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From Chevrolet info with stock 6.00 X 16 tires and 3.73 ratio The engine speed will be 2766 RPM at an actual 60 MPH. With a 4.11, 3120 at 60 MPH.
It would be just under 2600 RPM at 60 with the 3.73.
Gene Schneider
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Chevgene,
I stand corrected, I was probably doing closer to 60+ as I forgot my speedometer was not corrected, it was reading 55 and from what I understand (+ 10%) so allowing for some error the tach was correct..
Thanks, Wes
six volts forever
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Hay Wes,
Great info on the 6 volt tachometer! You have done two things I am ready to do on my 1940 Chevy with a stock 216 engine. I looking to change the rear axel to a 3:78 an also install a electric fan to help with low speed cooling. Were you happy with both of your changes? How difficult were those two projects? Thanks.
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Ger13 (Gerry)
I got the fan (6V) Chev's of the 40's - Very easy install
I purchased the Rear End gear cluster from an Auto Dismantler, it's out of a 1953 Chevrolet Powerglide. It's a direct swap. There's a lot of info on this (Postings in this forum).
Extremely happy with both. I believe I have the dismantler's name if you want. Give me an E-Mail.
Wes
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Wes,
A couple weeks ago I posted under the 46-48 asking about engine swap. I'm pretty sure Chevgene stated that a PG equipped car had a 3.55 rear. So if yours came out of a 53 w/PG maybe you have 3.55 not 3.73??
Ken
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The ratio of a powerglide torque tube rear end depends on the year model of a car it came from.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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OK. We're talking then 50 thru 54 still had torque tube with a PG available. What years had what ratios? Would be good to know.
Ken
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The 1950-1954 Power Glides had a 3.55.
The 1940-52 sticks had a 4.11, with a 3.73 optinal 1941-1949. 1940 Master 85 had a 3.73.
The 1953-1954 stick had a 3.70.
The 3.70 - 3.73 is also a good choice for a 216. Dosen't kill the hill climbing power as much as a 3.55.
Gene Schneider
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Someday, I will get it correct (Must be my age). I do have the 3:55 from a 1953 Powerglide, I just pulled the paper work, and you do notice it on the hill climbing...
Wes
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The change on my 1939 from 4.22 to 3.73 was the best thing I ever did to the car. Now 65 MPH is a breeze plus it gets 2 MPG better at that speed. The '39 is a fairly light car so with just the driver the power loss is not too noticeable (below 40 MPH). But with four passengers, hills it would have climbed in high gear with ease (below 40 MPH)....now the car will loose speed and when it drops below 25 2nd gear is necessary. The good part is you then can maintain a easy 35 MPH in 2nd gear. On the flat it will run up to 45 in 2nd with ease and go over 50 MPH.
Gene Schneider
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My 37 Master Deluxe business coupe had already been changed from the orig 4.22 to 3.73 (Master Deluxe was orginally equipped w/4.22; Master 3.73) before I acquired it so I can't give a before and after first hand driving comparison between the two ratios. I can say I have no conmplaints with the way the car performs. Much better performance than my 26 Model T Ford. But that's a completely different animal, isn't it? I also see (experience) everything Chevgene says about performance at certain speeds and at/in certain road conditions with my 37. Ken
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The 1950-1954 Power Glides had a 3.55.
The 1940-52 sticks had a 4.11, with a 3.73 optional 1941-1949.
1940 Master 85 had a 3.73.
The 1953-1954 stick had a 3.70.
The 3.70 - 3.73 is also a good choice for a 216. Dosen't kill the hill climbing power as much as a 3.55. Dang! Always good to see Gene's posts and get the 'straight' info. Thanks again you ole rascal! Sure nice you're here.... PS - I was not aware of the 3.73 option in 41-49. I wonder how many (what percentage) had the 3.73. Seems like a good "all-purpose" ratio.... Bill.
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I also often wondered how many 1941-49's had the 3.73 option. It would have been a must for travel in some states like the great plains and flat desert areas.
GM selected the standard ratio for what they called city driving and hilly country.
some examples ffrom the 1940's
Buick Special and Super had a 4.44 ratio with a 4.11 optional.
Many standard shift Olds and Pontiacs had 4.3 with 3.9 and 4.11 optional.
Chrysler products usually had a 4.11
Fords had a 3.78 and Mercurys had a 3.54
Studebaker had a 4.56 with out over drive
The Nash and Hudson a 4.10
The 1934 Olds "8", LaSalle and some Buicks had a 4.78. They did run the larger 7.00 X 16 tires.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 05/14/09 03:24 PM.
Gene Schneider
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