12 replies to this topic

[croc7]

Is there a reputable agency in the UK that can rebuild or calibrate a speedometer?

[The Principal]

https://speedycables.com/

[DeadSquare]

https://speedycables.com/

 I was glad that I was sitting down when I opened the estimate, but it was OK in the end, I was able to take out a second mortgage.

 

They do a very good job, but you don't get what you don't pay for in life.

[Spider]

 

https://speedycables.com/

 I was glad that I was sitting down when I opened the estimate, but it was OK in the end, I was able to take out a second mortgage.

 

They do a very good job, but you don't get what you don't pay for in life.

 

 

No mater where you go for these services, they have always cost a lot and that's nearly always been the case.

 

It's quite labour intensive and there's a bit of specialised kit needed.

 

Both good and bad, this has lead to Programmable Electronic Speedos being affordable.

[Stu1961]

You don't say which speedo it is central or offset, and also whether the speedo works or not that will make a big difference to how you approach the job. If it is working and just needs calibrating to match the gearbox then it maybe easier and more cost effective to pull the engine and change the speedo drive components in the box.   

[nicklouse]

You don’t even need to pull the engine.

[Stu1961]

You don’t even need to pull the engine.

Even better

[luismx123]

I have the same issue ATM. Want to install a central Speedo but not sure what pinion my current Speedo and gearbox are using. I guess I'll find out once I do the swap/when I get caught speeding and my Speedo says I'm not

[Stu1961]

If by calibrating, you mean adjusting the odometer I think that is reasonably straight forward with the centre speedo though I have not done it myself (I have a document somewhere I found on the net regarding repairing and adjusting Smiths speedos) 

 

However I have restored a speedo of the offset type and it turned out really well (note the speedo and odometer were both originally working to start with) resetting the odometer is not straight forward but if I can do it I don't think most other folk will have a problem either though it’s a good two or three hours work and great care is required if the very fragile components are to be preserved and the correct alignment of the digit wheels is to be achieved. The reason I adjusted my odometer I wanted my new set (1275GT) to match the mileage on my original 90mph set but they could just as easily be reset to zero if that is what was required.

 

 As far as restoration is concerned in most cases its just a case of replacing any visibly damaged or worn components in my case I was lucky all I had to replace was the instrument lenses, the circular gaskets behind the lenses, a small repair to the PCB using conductive paint and source a few bulb holders, I feel anything beyond this may well have been doable but things like a damaged or broken needle return spring would require a professional repair. I would recommend sourcing a cheap instrument set off eBay which is what I did just to see how they come apart and how hard or easy they would be to put back together this will also give you a good source for spares.

 

Cleaning the dismantled parts is straightforward though don’t use any solvents such as IPA they will damaged the finish on the dial faces or instrument surrounds, just use warm soapy water and a few cotton buds. If the aluminium centre on the speedo needle shows signs of corrosion or discolouration again use a cotton bud with a small amount of Solvol on it.

 

Lastly a word on dismantling I found a couple of videos on YouTube which really helped if I can find them I will post the links, the tricky parts are removing the speedo needle it is a very good tight fit and requires quite a bit of force to pop it off but if done properly no damage will be done (I can explain how to do this if needed) Once off the dial face can be removed there are two screws holding it on. Underneath the dial face is the needle return spring and it is extremely delicate and vulnerable to being damaged now that it has been exposed, the odometer assembly can now easily be unscrewed from the rest of the speedo assembly.  

 

         

 

      

[croc7]

Thanks for the info. For Luismx123, guessworks.com has a drop down menu to help determine which speedo driving gears you have, or will need, using the TPM # on the speedo face, tire size, etc.

[luismx123]

Yea I saw that. Need to take apart my current speedo first to find out as its the newer type with the code behind the covers or , and i hope not, inside :/

[maccers]

I went through all of the above, and my speedo is still a bit out over 60 - and seems to bounce around a bit, ie not smooth like wifes modern car. I have a sat nav in the car anyway, and its got a speed reading on it too thats very accurate. I dont go much over 70 anyway before things start to rattle....! 

[gazza82]

seems to bounce around a bit, ie not smooth like wifes modern car

 

Most moderns have electronic speedos driven from the gearbox or even the sensor for the anti-lock brakes