Thanks for the ebay tip! I was wanting to use the OE tach in the HD instrument panel from an appearance standpoint, that's why I started looking for a mechanical distr. We'll just see how this shakes out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Holley-Distributor-Dual-Points-with-Tach-drive-model-1935-S-Ford-Y-block-/300981453610?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4613e4832a&vxp=mtr#ht_600wt_1043

I think pertronix makes a conversion for this, good luck

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

I think I'd consider using an aftermarket electric tach unit installed in the original housing and face. Many of the T'bird guys do that instead of using the oe mechanical drive tachs, to get a centrifugal advance mechanism.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Whoa, wonder where you would find tune up parts for that Bad Boy...

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

Check this out. Just popped up today! Chuck

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Holley-Distributor-Dual-Points-with-Tach-drive-model-1935-S-Ford-Y-block-/300981453610?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4613e4832a&vxp=mtr

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I know I have seen a few tach drive Truck dist. on EBAY that are not the tbird variety. As others have said I am not sure if they were for the MEL engine or not as it's been awhile. They are much clunkier looking than a bird dist. You'll be paying north of 500 of the bird dizzy, just to get a tach. As I remember the tach gauge only reads up to 4000 in that gauge panel? Keep checking EBAY. You should also check on www.slick60s.com. I bet you could put something together there, lots of old ford truck knowledge there.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I believe the late 50' f-700's used a HD 272 with a 4bbl. might have what you're looking for.

 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.

The plan was to put an instrument panel from an F-750 up into this F-600. It has aftermarket air trailer air brake system with the gauge mounted below the dash. Using the HD instrument panel I could use a factory ari pressure gauge, and wit the right distributor, us the mech tach. Biggest issue now is the cost of a distributor, didn't realize they were that salty. Don't think the mechanical tach drive was used in a factory application on a Y-block truck, based on my service manuals. Thanks to all for you help!

According to a 1960 truck/car book that I have from Ford,the F-600 only came with the 223 six cylinder and the 292 MD or HD engines.

The F 700 and 750 series could have the 302,332 engines and the larger series would of had the 401,477 and 534 engines.

I have a listing for a tach drive dizzy with a governor for the 302 and 332 engines but no listing for the 292 dizzy with a governor.MY BOOK COULD BE INCOMPLEAT! and missing that information.

It does stand to reason that Ford built a 292 mechanical tach drive dizzy with a governor if your truck is getting an original H.D. gauge panel

Perhaps someone has the 57 and up truck book?

As previously mentioned a T Bird tach drive dizzy would work but make sure its a 1957 unit that uses centrifical advance.

Aftermarket dizzys should also be considered since the last 57 T Bird dizzy just sold north of $600.00

Oldmics

I think the 302/332 HD's had the mechanical tach. Will keep researching on the T-bird engine. Thanks for the heads-up on the vacuum only units.