Speedo and tacho location on 289 dropped-centre dash

[xb-60]

Anybody know what the story is on CSX2xxx and/or COB/COX cars having their speedos and tachos aligned horizontally, or having the speedo placed higher than the tacho? Any reasons for the difference? I'm talking Smiths instrumentation, but if there's anything SW related as well....?
Cheers,
Glen

[xb-60]

Ok, pictures might help...

This is COB6008, speedo and tacho on same horizontal plane:




This is COX6111, with tacho significantly lower than the speedo:



This dash is not a dropped-centre dash like COB6008, so the clock is non-standard, but I don't think that has a bearing on my question.
I notice that ERA speedo/tacho locations follow this layout.

Cheers!
Glen

[289 Mk111]

Hi Glen
I am no expert, but my guess and from my experience.

The street cars probably started out with something that looked right, but I think that when they started to race the cars it was evident that you cannot clearly see the rev counter, so they raised it up to give a better view through the steering wheel.
Just a theory? I guess someone who knows the history better than I will have a more plausible theory.

Regards
Steve

[mickmate]

Neds car, 6111, shows the dash layout of a 427 street car with the clock added at the bottom centre of the small instruments. Your also comparing a left and right hook.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by mickmate

Neds car, 6111, shows the dash layout of a 427 street car with the clock added at the bottom centre of the small instruments. Your also comparing a left and right hook.

They just happened to be convenient pictures. Most pictures I have, whether of left- or right-hookers, show the speedo/tacho placed at the same level vertically. That's the layout I will follow, but just interested if there's a story there as to why the difference.
Cheers,
Glen

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 289 Mk111

Hi Glen
I am no expert, but my guess and from my experience.

The street cars probably started out with something that looked right, but I think that when they started to race the cars it was evident that you cannot clearly see the rev counter, so they raised it up to give a better view through the steering wheel.
Just a theory? I guess someone who knows the history better than I will have a more plausible theory.

Regards
Steve

Hi Steve. Sounds logical, but pics of early cars show the 'horizontal' layout...





There must be some reason why some cars went away from what looks like a more practical layout....?
Cheers,
Glen

[1985 CCX]

My car


Original car