My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?  Thanks.

Paul

paul_silverman@mail.com realised it was Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:00:12 -0700
and decided it was time to write:

>My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
>speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
>the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
>and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?

They can easily be opened. Plug it out of the dash and turn the chrome
ring so that the lips on the ring are opposite corresponding notches in
the case. You may have some difficulty due to the crud under the chrome
ring that's accumulated over the years, but that's how they open.
Repairing them can be done by specialists (see adverts in classic cars
mags) or even yourself, if it's something simple. In most cases a
specialist repair will be cheaper than a new speedometer, if you can get
one.

>Thanks.

Yer welcome.

-- 
Y.

'All parts falling off of this car are of
the highest quality British manufacture'

Paul

Triumph Spitfire speedometer....
There are so many advertised on Ebay why bother, just obtain and install
another?

Tom

 wrote in message
news:1193083212.270814.90220@q3g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
> speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
> the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
> and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?  Thanks.
>
> Paul
>

On Oct 22, 6:00 pm, "Tom Sharrocks"  wrote:
> Paul
>
> Triumph Spitfire speedometer....
> There are so many advertised on Ebay why bother, just obtain and install
> another?
>
> Tom
>
>  wrote in message
>
> news:1193083212.270814.90220@q3g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>
> > My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
> > speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
> > the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
> > and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?  Thanks.
>
> > Paul

Thanks for the answers.  I think I'll try to fix it first or have
someone take a look at it, and then if it fails I'll get a new one.

paul_silverman@mail.com wrote:
> My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
> speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
> the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
> and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?  Thanks.
> 
> Paul
> 
Triumph speedometers are quirky things. Sometimes if you are very 
careful to align the cable with the  mount on the back, and then put 
that connection under a little bit of tension, a dead unit can be 
persuaded to work.  It doesn't always work but it's is worth a hour of 
fiddling with it before forking out for a repair or replacement.

Jim

Jim Warren wrote:
> paul_silverman@mail.com wrote:
> 
>> My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer.  I replaced the
>> speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not
>> the case.  Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened
>> and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one?  Thanks.
>>
>> Paul
>>
> Triumph speedometers are quirky things. Sometimes if you are very 
> careful to align the cable with the  mount on the back, and then put 
> that connection under a little bit of tension, a dead unit can be 
> persuaded to work.  It doesn't always work but it's is worth a hour of 
> fiddling with it before forking out for a repair or replacement.
> 
> Jim

One thing that does happen, oil climbs up the cable into the speedo. the 
oil needs to be cleaned out. This happens with old worn cables 
(clearance) without any felt? seals etc, The needle shaft is balanced 
with a clock spring this is where you have to clean to ensure it has 
free movement.

Inside, the needle shaft mechanism has to move freely without any oil 
build up. You don't have to dismantle any of the mechanism, still don't 
play with it either or you may alter the calibration,

Can be done, just be careful not to touch anything that shows, like the 
face, finger prints don't wipe off. Remove the bezel and glass, as 
stated elsewhere, remove the screws from the back, then the guts are 
loose.  (To remove the face, normally, pry off the needle, remove the 
two screws.)  [You may not have to remove the face if careful]

  A couple of drops very light oil on the moving parts after the clean, 
sewing machine oil.


I have used Wurth brake cleaner pressure pak. Dries clean. Still don't 
get it on the face, may wash the numbers off.

http://www.dkcars.co.uk/dkonline/new_spares/brake.php?mode=details&action=overview&product_id=607