I have a question about hood tachometers on our cars. I have been to 4 MCCI Roundups and 2 Gatherings and have not seen another car w/ hood tach. I have had lots of folks question me on whether the car from factory w/ the tach. My answer, I believe it may have been dealer install item. Many have stated they have seen them on GM cars but don't ever recall seeing Mav./Comet w/ hood tachometer. Many of the questions come from old timer, gear- heads who know the difference between a Maverick and a Vega. Looking for some clarity from some here who have years of owing/parting out/collecting & restoring these vehicles --- If I am on the right track w/ Dealer Install?
I have only seen one car with one and the owner had it installed to replicate a Shelby Maverick. Of all the cars that we have seen I would have to believe it was a dealer installed add on and not even offered as an option. Somebody probably has the list of options the car could have installed
This is from a 1971 Ford Falcon Maverick brochure. I'm guessing the hood tach in the U.S. were dealer installed.
That is interesting, I know when the Maverick was on the drawing table it was badged as a Falcon but never knew it was produced. Was this the Mexican or Brazilian version ?
Hi Everett: Your ' hood mounted tach ' is the only one I've ever seen on any of these type cars. I wonder how the tach is ' Wired ' underneath the hood . That might be a clue .. trace the wires back to where they START from under the Dash or under the hood . Usually the factory does a neat job and this may indicate ' whether it may have been installed by the " Previous"Owner , or Factory . . How are things going for YOU ? .. Everything is ok here in Florida .. getting ready for the TURKEY ROD RUN in Daytona Beach this Thanksgiving . Cometized (Chip)
Your car is the only Maverick or Comet that I have seen one on. I saw a '70 Mach 1 428 CJ car at a show years ago that had one and he said that the original owner claimed it was dealer installed when new. BTW, it was nice meeting you last year in Dayton, OH at the Roundup Nationals. I hope you can join us in Lynchburg, VA next July for the Roundup!
Doing well here Chip! The tach was not connected, wiring was rolled and tucked under the hood. I had it removed from the hood for a season & liked it better that way. After going some time w/ it off, decided to put it back . After going to a few Mav/Comet events and not seeing another, decided to roll w/it on the hood as rare option, although I have a column mounted tach. I have lot's of folks save leave it -- think they have a point. Went to my last meet the end of October. I have to replace my headers and had planned to do it this late fall but weather a little cold for working on something that is only a toy, for the most part. Replacing long tubes w/ shorties, I think easier install for DIY garage project.
Not a factory option. Dealer option. I have seen these tachs on eBay as well as at swap meets. BIG bucks!! More than some people have paid for their Maverick/Comet!! Ha Ha.
I will also chime in to say these were a dealer option. I have seen them on Mustangs and Torinos, not much else. I seem to recall they were more than $100, pretty pricey 45 years ago. It was easy to get better tach for inside the car for $30.
Looks like the same tachometer on my car, mounted in the same position. Not sure I want to replace my unit for $400.00 when I like the unit mounted on my steer column and haven't used the hood unit in 8 years.
Some of the Boss 302's had hood tachs, and those were all dealer done. I don't think Ford ever had a factory hood mounted tach.
