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vwwestyman Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2004 Posts: 5680 Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2016 8:21 am Post subject: Cleaning Speedometer |
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I was thinking I'd posted this before, but didn't see the topic in a quick search, so maybe not...
My speedo is very dirty/dusty as is most of the Thing. There is/was a very fine dust throughout most of the car that I've been working out of it over time.
Additionally, the odometer doesn't work. I suspect a cracked gear as I've found in many threads. Lights don't work either.
Needle bounces a little at low speeds but that doesn't bother me too much. The speed readout does seem to be somewhat accurate, though.
I would like to pull it and clean/fix it up a bit.
I'm not scared at all of fixing the odometer or lights, but I am concerned about cleaning it.
I believe the dust is both on the inside of the glass and on the face itself.
I would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to clean the dust from the face without damaging the paint or other delecate parts inside.
I'm thinking electrical contact cleaner which is supposed to not hurt plastic bits and such, and because of this seems like it would be a little more gentle. As I type this, I think I do have a broken fuel gauge I could use to test the paint's ability to withstand this cleaner.
My main concern is that I will still probably have some residue from the cleaner when I'm done.
_________________ Dave Cook
President, Wild Westerner Club
1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing |
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Captain Spalding Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2005 Posts: 2519 Location: . . . in denial.
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2016 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Cleaning Speedometer |
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I'd maybe start with canned air. I bet that would get you most of the way there. Then I'd start in with a q-tip slightly moistened with water. |
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Ron Domeck Samba Member
Joined: August 05, 2007 Posts: 1466 Location: louisville Ky
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2016 9:33 am Post subject: Re: Cleaning Speedometer |
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You can take the outer ring off by bending the edges that roll around the housing lip. This can be bent back when done. The glass is plastic and can be buffed with plastic cleaner made for cycle helmets, rear conv. glass etc. The outer ring can be painted while you have it off. Color should be semi gloss black. |
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waxhead Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2004 Posts: 946 Location: Philly 'burbs
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Cleaning Speedometer |
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I've opened up a few speedos to clean in the past. The metal outer ring that holds the glass/plastic in place can be pried back little by little until it can be removed. The secret is to take your time. Do it in stages. If you try to get it off in one 'sitting' you'll get frustrated and ruin it. You'll need to do it carefully so that it can be re-installed. _________________ Mike B. |
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doublecanister Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2008 Posts: 1184 Location: Richmond, Va
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Cleaning Speedometer |
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just in case anyone needs this
I got new odometer gears from this place.
http://www.odometergears.com/faq.php
T _________________ ****************************************
2020 - Mustang Eco Boost [High Performance]
1973 - Thing
1966 - Mustang GT- Fastback
1951 - Ford F1 pickup Flathead V8 |
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74 Thing Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7375
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