Date:         Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:11:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Tach project wiring tip
Comments: To: Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com>
In-Reply-To:  <46691ADE-B0F0-4C52-BBB5-0217225E8341@eoni.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Jim,

        In my case I think I will be able to use the wire that all ready goes from the cruise control I’m removing.  I brought up the other option as a tip.  But the One I would have used is for outdoor use and has a hefty outside shield and respectable seeming internal shielding.  I suspect it would have worked great if not a bit over kill.  But, I’ll be using the existing wire and I’m happy about that as my 84 was treated with Waxoil undercoating and it is no fun touching things under there! 

I think the trailer wire is a great idea and the four wires give even more room for expansion. 

All great tips and useful options. 

Eric Caron 


> On Sep 25, 2024, at 6:12 PM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com> wrote:
> 
> Eric, I was an electrician in a former life. The typical household extension cord was never designed for a continuous outdoor environment. Just drop the $25 for the correct material.
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sep 25, 2024, at 5:52 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi folks,
>> 
>>       I”m still gathering parts for the addition of a Tach to my 84.  
>> 
>>       With the help of a list member I will be getting the tach in a month or so. 
>> 
>> In the meantime, I wanted to share a clever suggestion this list member made about an option for running a usable wire from the rear compartment to the front. And, then, a reason why I might not need to run a new wire.
>> 
>>       The first recommendation from Jim A was to use a trailer wire with 4 wires and then you would have three spares.  A great option.
>> The new suggestion was to use a typical three wire household extension cord.  I never thought of using this but it is great as I have many around, and have collected many good ones from tag sales, so have one handy.  It has three usable wires that are coated well and one is green, the same color as the original tach wire.
>> 
>> So, I’m keeping this great suggestion handy, and may end up using it. 
>> 
>> In the meantime I remembered that my 84 has an after market cruise control that is pretty new but didn’t work.  I have wanted to remove it.  I expect that there is a wire or two running from that device in the engine compartment to the instrument panel.  If so, I plan to repurpose that wire for the tach.
>> 
>> Any list thoughts on that welcome. 
>> 
>> And, keep the great tips coming.
>> 
>> Eric Caron 
>> Gathering up the info and parts for the 84 Tach project.
>