I do have to say that the backlit pointer does make a difference. I had a hard time seeing my stock one at night with the old bulbs and non-lit pointer. I put LED bulbs in the Parts Place replacement tach that I bought (actually I put them in all the dash lights too. What a difference). It makes it nice and bright, but I can't use the dimmer with the LEDs. Mine did have the screwed together housing.
I know that washing and waxing my car with the present condtion of my paint is like polishing a turd.....but it's my turd and I want it polished!