How to replace speedo needle?

Author Topic: How to replace speedo needle?  (Read 2066 times)

Offline Katfish

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How to replace speedo needle?
« on: December 18, 2004 - 03:43:08 AM »
I need to replace the broken speedometer needle in a Ralley set-up.
I have the gauge out, but the needle doesn't seem like it will pull off.
Has anyone done this?  Is there some trick to doing it without screwing up the shaft?

Thanks,

Katfish




Offline Robb

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2004 - 09:14:41 PM »
Where'd you get a new needle from ?     

thanks


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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2004 - 12:29:24 AM »
we bonded the new needle over the remains of the broken 1 & touched up the paint , no one can tell

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Offline Katfish

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2004 - 09:18:27 AM »
That's a good idea CP,  thanks,

What kind of glue and paint did you use?


Katfish

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2004 - 09:53:41 PM »
JB Weld or similar epoxy , & flourecent orange construction paint

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Offline 72cuda

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2004 - 08:45:09 PM »
I had the exact same problem, fixed it exactly as CP said.

APT Speedometer (http://www.gaugeguys.com) sold me the needle.
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Offline wedge5811

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2004 - 09:40:58 PM »
The needle on the rallye set up does not come off.  Your best bet is to cut it off with a dremel tool and a mini cut off wheel, then drill a hole in the back of the needle, with a bit the size of the speedo shaft, then glue it back on the speedo shaft with a good clear two part epoxy. Be careful not to change the weight of the needle very much, as this will mess up your calibration.

Offline Katfish

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2004 - 06:13:54 AM »
Wedge,

Sounds good, but once you cut it off the shaft, won't it be too short to put back on?

What I'm asking is, if you drill out the needle, then push back on the cut-off shaft, won't it touch the face?


Katfish

Offline OUTLAW

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2004 - 06:31:41 AM »
dont cut the shaft....cut the needle from around the shaft

Offline wedge5811

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Re: How to replace speedo needle?
« Reply #9 on: December 21, 2004 - 09:28:51 AM »
if you cut it off as far up as you can, it will not touch the face.  It is definately a delicate operation.  when you drill the hole, you do not want to drill all the way through. If you have a new needle, you can do as outlaw suggest and cut the old needle away, leaving the shaft.  my method, which i have used many times, is for reusing the old needle.  when you glue on the needle, put a little of the epoxy in the hole you have drilled, a little on the end of the speedo shaft, then set the needle on the shaft and support it in the position you want it  with some shims .The needle does not have to fit tightly on the shaft.  Once the epoxy sets, it is more than strong enough to support the needle.  Be careful not to use to much glue, as it could run down the shaft into the speedo.   This same opperation can be used on the tach.  The clock hands will just pull off.