1965 Shelby Tach - Real or fake?

[wcampbell]

I just bought a 1965 GT350 tach and since I'm new to this (1965 specific parts) I need someone to help authenticate it. I'm pretty sure it's fake, but not completely sure. What are the "glaring" signs of a repop? This thing has a painted black "dot" on the glass covering where the needle center goes through the face - did the originals have this or a cover. Also, are there any markings on the back, etc. to help determine if it's real? Any help would be appreciated.

[eljimb0]

Fake is kind of a hard word for that tach, I think of them as the modern reproductions. The painted glass "dot" is the reproduction of what was a black disc inside the tach (which served to obscure the inner workings at the base of the needle)

[shelby6t5]

Exactly, a modern reproduction, originals not in cars are few and far between

Mike

[steveshelbymustang]

Anything on ebay that doesn't bring more than $300.00 is usually reproduction. The last "Real" one brought over $2000.00. Look for the metal housing VS plastic and there are dates stamped on them.

[wcampbell]

The one I received has a painted glass lens, metal body with an ink stamp on it. The only stamps are for the connection terminals (bat, etc.)