C-1 generator tach drive

[Richard P.]

I think something is missing on the tach drive of my '61. The tach wasn't working when I got the car and I dont know what the original tach drive looks like. On this one, the aluminum housing has a 7/16" hole where the cable screws in and a 1/4" gear shaft. The fit (even with the cable screwed in) is too sloppy to keep the gears engaged. Was there a bushing pressed into the housing from the factory or was there one on the original cable.
Thanks

[William C.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

As I recall, the housing has a bushing in it to guide the shaft with the gear that turns the output cable when attached.

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Thanks, That's what I suspected although I've not seen one in any of the usual vendor catalogs. Does anyone know where I can get one?

[William C.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

I'd take the housing with me and go to a bearing supply house, most mid-size and larger cities have on Bearings Inc or similar outfit. At least the one local here is willing to make suggestions and order parts.

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Bill,
Thanks for your help. Do you know what the bearing is made of? I would assume brass, but as I say, Ive never seen one. Its one of those times when 1 look would be worth a thousand words.

[William C.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

I'm betting brass/bronze, but it's been 25 years since I've owned a Corvette with a gen driven tach...

[Dennis C.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Maybe this will help?

Dennis

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Dennis,
Thanks for the pix. I've been to a couple of bearing stores in Norfolk, VA today and although they didn't have exactly what I need, I think I can modify and get the job done. What year did the tach drive in the pictures come from? Mine is similar, but not exactly like it. The boss for the bolt is shaped a little different.
Cheers,
R

[Dennis C.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Dennis,
Thanks for the pix. I've been to a couple of bearing stores in Norfolk, VA today and although they didn't have exactly what I need, I think I can modify and get the job done. What year did the tach drive in the pictures come from? Mine is similar, but not exactly like it. The boss for the bolt is shaped a little different.
Cheers,
R

Richard,

Sorry for the delay in responding, I am still catching up from the weekend.

Mine is from a 1961 car. I purchased the generator and tach drive from John Pirkle. Which raises the thought that maybe he has bushings already made?

If not, I would suggest trying McMaster Carr. If you have access to a lathe, it would be easy to make. If not, a local machine shop could turn one out in no time.

Regards,

Dennis

[Richard P.]

Re: C-1 generator tach drive

Dennis,
Thanks for your help. I modified a nylon bushing today that I found in my junk. Put it in and the tach works fine. Don't know if it will hold up but will cross that bridge when I come to it. By the way, my car is a '61 but the housing casting doesn't look like yours. Mine is probably from a different year since i've found a lot of incorrect parts on it over the course of the restoration.
Cheers,
Richard