Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

[Rick H.]

[Thomas S.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

I own a 63, 327/340hp. I far as I known, the only 2 motors that came with the higher rpm tachs were the 340HP and the 360HP Fuel Injection. Neither had a high RPM warning buzzer as an option. Nothing in the wiring diagram either.

Not sure about 64’s or any other C2’s either. I’ve heard of MPH warning alerts on later models, but never anything for revs.

[Mike L.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

Tach. buzzer's were used in 1963 on 340hp and 360hp cars, Before 3-5-63 (March 63). After that time they did not use them. TJG say's confirmed up to Vin. 8600 and could be present up until approximately Vin 10,000.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

As Mike stated, there were tach buzzers in early built 63 Solid lifter cars. The usage was spotty. Some are installed with the wiring taped together and never plugged into the tach. By March they are virtually non existent.

As for the testing of the operation, plug the factory wiring into the buzzer and ground the lead that plugs into the tach.

[Thomas S.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

A few questions.
How was the buzzer actuated on a mechanical driven tach? Contacts off of the tach movement?
I didn't see any references to any wiring on the schematics (AIM), and the buzzer looked like it would have been plugged into a 3-pole connector.

[Richard M.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

Here is the 1361529 Buzzer used on 1967 with U15 Speed Minder Speedometer. The 1963 appears to have a different part# buzzer but it should be wired in a similar way.

Only 2 terminals are used in this configuration. The Orange is +12V from the fuse panel, White comes from the Speedo head wiring which gets grounded when activated.

To test the buzzer on the bench apply 12V to the terminal shown in the photo(Org, closest to the mount tab). and Ground to the other next to it(Wht). 3rd terminal is unused for a buzzer. Note that the buzzer is actually a relay which just makes-breaks on the internal contacts to make noise.

BTW, This was on a L71 with Sidepipes. You had to listen very carefully with foot off the gas pedal to test it underway. Basically a useless option. I can't imagine you could ever hear it in a '63 smallblock undercar exhaust equipped car either, winding the engine to redline.

P8070050.jpg

1967 AIM U15 with notes
U15Buzzer.jpg

[Thomas S.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

The original post mentioned a RPM (tach) warning buzzer. Did the early 63's have the same setup you are describing for the Tach?

[Richard M.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

The original post mentioned a RPM (tach) warning buzzer. Did the early 63's have the same setup you are describing for the Tach?

Thomas, I was mainly trying to help him figure out how to test his buzzer using my U15 info as a reference. I don't have any experience with the '63 tach buzzer setup but found some reference photos of it in a Thread HERE. I downloaded and saved them here as they're on Photobucket which may go away some day. It took some effort to download and save the files from there as they appear to be locked against using them. I unlocked them locally so I could save them.(see last attached images photos below)

Rich

EDIT- Here is how the 1967 Speedminder is mechanically configured. The moveable dial is set so that when the speedo needle coil spring touches it, it grounds it and activates the relay. I'd imagine the '63 tach buzzer is similar, but activates at a fixed position, likely at redline.

On the back of the needle is a small coil spring.
PB170006.jpg

Setting the activation dial which is grounded to the gauge case. When the speedo needle coil spring touches the base bent tab of the activation dial, it completes the circuit to activate the buzzer.
PB170005.jpg

Backside of the speedo
PB170007.jpg

End of knob(attaches to drum case)
PB170028.jpg

Adjustment knob shaft and gear which touches plastic gear on back of head. (ignore grease on drum) that's why I took this apart years ago. Someone greased the cable from trans end)
PB170003.jpg

PB170009.jpg


PB170042.jpg

PB170041.jpg

[Rick H.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

The original post mentioned a RPM (tach) warning buzzer. Did the early 63's have the same setup you are describing for the Tach?

Tom, below is a picture of the early high horse 1963 tach for 360HP and 340HP engines. The circled had a wire plugged to pin that ran to the buzzer.

1963 RPM warning tach.jpg

[Mike M.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

many years ago, i restored an early 63 FI(dec 3rd as i recall). it was unrestored basket case when acquired but it had the buzzer attached to the Z-bar and it had the tack with provisions for a wire harness. the car had never been taken apart when i got it and it DID NOT have a wire harness present. i rigged up a wire harness, hooked it up and the system functioned. however, no way could i hear the buzz but i could feel the buzzer vibrating. i believe they were teats on a bull, and that's why chevy discontinued then early on. mike mccagh

[Thomas S.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

Thanks for that. It all makes sense now and I learned something new.

[Rick H.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

To test the buzzer on the bench apply 12V to the terminal shown in the photo(Org, closest to the mount tab). and Ground to the other next to it(Wht). 3rd terminal is unused for a buzzer. Note that the buzzer is actually a relay which just makes-breaks on the internal contacts to make noise.

Thank you Richard for the wiring information. I was able to use it to test my 63 tach buzzer on my workbench. It does buzz but I don't think I'd be able to hear it if I were sitting in my driveway idling let alone if I was going down the road at 6500 RPM. I can see why GM stopped its use after the first month or 2 of production.

[Scott P.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

Well in case anybody wants a tach buzzer I have one. Probably for the asking. Scott Oh Yeal, does it buzz, dont know.

[Rick H.]

Re: Bench testing 1963 tach high RPM warning buzzer

Well in case anybody wants a tach buzzer I have one. Probably for the asking. Scott Oh Yeal, does it buzz, dont know.

Hi Scott. I am interested in acquiring your tach buzzer. I will send you a private message.