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No Reserve: Genuine Ford Rally-Pac Gauges

I never criticize reproduction parts because high-quality items can add the perfect finishing touch to any restoration. They also can be essential when certain things are made from “unobtainium.” Ford’s Rally-Pac gauges from the mid-1960s are a perfect example of this. Buyers could order them with their new car, or they could have them dealer-fitted. Today, some exceptionally good reproductions are available, but for someone undertaking a faithful restoration, there’s nothing quite like having a genuine article. If you have been searching, it looks like you may have struck gold. This Rally-Pac set was found in a barn, and the owner has decided that they need to head to a new home. If they have sparked your interest, you will find them located in Santa Cruz, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $128.50 in a No Reserve auction.

Ford offered the Rally-Pac gauges during the mid-1960s, with the last ones finding their way onto Mustangs during the 1966 model year. This set isn’t perfect, but it is complete and unmodified. The gauge lenses are crystal clear, while the markings are crisp and bright. The reflective hoods shine brightly, and the “Rally Pac” lettering looks clean and bright. Some of the black “crackle” finish has peeled away, but it might be possible to find a specialist to restore this aspect. All of the mounting hardware is intact, and nobody has seen fit to modify this for installation in another vehicle.

The owner pulled both gauges from their housings for this photo and to confirm their authenticity. The tach is marked to 6,000rpm and is verified for a V8 engine. The gauge markings suggest that it was destined for a vehicle with a lower spec 289 because the redline on the mighty K-Code was pegged beyond this at 6,500rpm. The seller has tested the tach and confirmed that it functions properly. He has not connected power to the clock and suggests that it might be wise for the buyer to have this serviced by a specialist before hitting it with voltage. The wiring harness is intact and unmolested, so installing this should be a breeze.

The Rally-Pac gauges were just one of an enormous list of optional extras that buyers in the 1960s could choose for their new Mustang. Their popularity is easy to gauge (sorry) by the number of companies that now churn out reproductions. The quality of some versions are outstanding, while others rate as pretty ordinary. However, there are times when there is nothing in the world quite like the genuine article. If you are undertaking a Mustang restoration and feel this way, maybe you should monitor this listing closely. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.

Comments

  1. Avatar CCFisher

    This is a 1964 or 1965 model. The 1966 version has a lower-profile bridge between the two pods.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar Gary

    Why would you not want a repo? I mean, come on! New tech, old design, all shiny and perfect. That would be like some young woman wanting me for the night over some hunky 20 year old stud. I know, I am “vintage”, but just can’t see that scenario or to buy rotten old junk pulled from a wrecking yard when better is available.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Steveo

      But…but..but that vintage feel, that smell…that smelly smell…
      It would be like buying a new mustang instead of an old one because you actually wanted to go fast safely, comfortably, dependably…who would do that?

      Like 7
      • Avatar Dave

        Apples and oranges, my friend. You buy the early ones because you want to and are willing to deal with its shortcomings and/or have sufficient ability to do the work yourself. You will buy this gauge set and restore it yourself in an effort to be as close to Day One as possible.
        The new ones, particularly the “Mach-E”, are throwaway toys that will be rendered inert once the microprocessor-based controls die along with the batteries.
        I collect and restore pre-1970 CB radios, and all of the ones I’ve restored work quite well despite approaching 60 years old.

        Like 18
    • Avatar CCFisher

      Why stop there? Why would anyone want an original drivetrain? Modern engines perform better and deliver better fuel economy. Why would you want a car with its original chassis? An aftermarket chassis with modern suspension geometry and disc brakes would be far superior. Why would anyone want a car wearing original paint? Modern paint systems are much more durable and deliver superior shine.

      Originality matters. How do you restore a car without original cars and accessories to use for reference?

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Steve R

    I’ve known this seller for years. He puts in a lot of work finding rare and hard to find parts, cars too. Guys like him are the counter point to those that say good deals can’t be found, all to often the whiner complaining is doing so to make themselves feel better because they aren’t willing to put in the work or they are trying to push a narrative.

    As for this being “rotten old junk” anyone with functioning eyes can see it’s not.

    Steve R

    Like 17
  4. HoA Howard A Member

    Well, I don’t know about “unobtainium”, I mean a lot of these were sold and da’ innernet[sic] is full of them. It was probably the cheapest “add-on” option for more sportiness. As kids we’d peer in a Mustangs windows,,”OOO, it’s got a rallye pak”( and related full dash gauges, I think) I disagree with Steve, as far as today is concerned, it may as well be termed junk,, but back then, the new craze were car rallyes, and required a clock for directions. I did a few with my MGB and were great fun. Chrysler and GM had the “Tic-Toc-Tach”, and others. Today this is just a period correct gee-gaw for someone that must have originality, but haven’t a clue why.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar 370zpp Member

    It’s like finding a pair of 63 split window(s), you have to wonder – what happened to the rest of the car?

    Like 2
  6. Avatar gaspumpchas

    I sold one in similar condition for $200 a couple years ago. Before the repops came out I could have named my price, but now a couple of hundred is where the market is. The repops are nice, you would have to decide which way you want to go. IIRC, the repops are around 4 bills. Nice thing is its an add on thats easy to install. reproducing the crinkle finish might be difficult. BTW, this would be the less desirable 6 grand model; Not sure where the market is on the 8 grand option.
    Cheers

    Like 2
  7. Avatar T. Mann

    Already past $250.
    Will look good in my Falcon

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Stephen

    I have a 65 fastback K code with an inop Rally Pac and was faced with the same decision. Have the tach rebuilt and put a quartz movement in the clock (for about $700) or buy a repro Rally Pac (for about $450).

    The car is in original condition so I had the Rally Pac restored. Very happy with it.

    Like 4
  9. Avatar GPAK

    Ummmmm
    So the guy went to the trouble to hook up the tach …..
    but couldn’t be bothered with hooking a battery to the clock ??
    LOL.
    The old A/C just needs a recharge trick.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Dave

      You need an electronic function generator to test the tach function properly. The clock is straightfoward and you’d be surprised how often a shot of PB Blaster and a little patience brings them back to life.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar T. Mann Member

    GPAK, I just stopped bidding.
    Thanks for the eye opener…

    Like 1
    • Avatar Stephen

      What eye opener? I think the seller is saying the clock does not work. So bid accordingly.

      Having a quartz movement installed makes sense anyway.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar Michael Streuly

    Bid at 275.00

    Like 1

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