Speedo Challenge

wwwcad · 06-15-2002, 01:37 PM

Hi All,

I've got the windshield out, the dash off and every gauge out but the speedometer. I've tried everything, but can't ssem to get the small cable off that resets the tripmeter. I got the reset knob off with a mini screwdriver. But I need to get the little black cable and the fitting off the dash so I can work on the speedo on my workbench.

Someone out there must know the secret for removing the reset cable from the dash! It's driving me crazy!

Thanks,
Bill

ScotMcLean · ScotMcLean's Garage

There should be a nut on the inside that holds the trip odometer cable in place, flush against the inside of the bottom of the gauge area. If the other gauges are out you should gave lots of room - I think was a 12mm, maybe 10 - I've done it twice (67 912 then 68 912.) Once the nut and knob are free it was easy. I always found the tiny screw in the knob to be the PITA. Scott

wwwcad · 06-15-2002, 04:04 PM

Hi Scott,

Thanks. I didn't have any trouble with the little screw in the knob, I happened to have a mini set of drivwers and it came right out after a shot of WD-40. As for the nut on the cable housing, it is only flat on two sides and it's a bear to get it turned. I guess I just didn't turn it enough to actually see some results! You were right, it's a 10mm by the way. I'll give it another go tomorrow. Tonight I'm removing the bezels on the front of the gauges. Got the temp gauge apart already. Might replace the faces or just clean up the surface rust, paint 'em and put them back in. Decisions, decisions!

Regards,
Bill

jac912 · jac912's Garage

"Removing the bezels .." Let us know about this process if you are successful!
Jim in Ma.

wwwcad · 06-16-2002, 04:54 AM

Hi Jim,

Got the first one off the Temp gauge. Basically, they are pressed on with a slight crimp over the lip on the top of the gauge. You take a very thin screwdriver and gently pry the edge of the bezel up a little at a time, working your way around the gauge. If you don't pry too much, you should be able to reuse the bezel. I plan to flatten and sand any pry marks and repaint them before reinstall. There's a very good Tech Article here that explains this procedure: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_gauge_face/mult_gauge_face2.htm

I went around gradually four or five times and finally got the bezel loose enough I could slide it off. There is an inner bezel which comes out with the glass, so be careful. Once you're here, the face is exposed. I have decided not to change the faces at this stage, just clean up surface rust and reinstall. I'm going to stay stock for now. My 912 sat in a barn for 10 years so a little annoying rust did accumulate on the outer and inner bezels. The faces are all fine, just aged a bit and the metal section of the dash will also get a repainting.

So far, so good!!

Bill

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

I cleaned up all my gauges and used a large hose clamp around the bezel to hold it from being destorted when bending back the crimp. I used one of those paint can openers from the hardware store and ground it sharp and to shape so it would fit under the crimp, it worked great for me.

Craig

ron69912t · 06-16-2002, 06:20 AM

Bill:
The speedo reset knob is held in place with a thin hex nut jus above the knurled reset knob. You must hold the speedo cable from the inside of the trunk while you try to unscrew the nut on the dash. I wedged an open end wrench on the cable flats inside the trunk and unscrewed the nut on the dash.

I don't think the reset cable comes off the speedo, it should stay connected.

The reset knob is held in place with a small set screw.

Good luck.
Ron

wwwcad · 06-16-2002, 07:50 AM

Ron,

Thanks, that really clears it up! I was turning the inside nut and the outside one was spinning, but I couldn't see it! Hard to be in two places at once. I'll give that a try.

Craig,

Great idea, I'll try the hose clamp too!

Thanks everybody!!

Bill

ron69912t · 06-18-2002, 04:26 AM

Bill:
One more thing. It took me a while to figure out. The WHOLE reset cable turns to reset the odometer. Not just a core as one is used to with speedo cables but in this case the whole cable rotates. The knob flange bushing and nut are the only stationary parts.

Ron

wwwcad · 05:00 AM

So you actually unscrew the mechanism from the dash's interior side? The chrome housing around the reset knob? I didn't touch it since Saturday, been too busy!

Well, I went out and tried it and finally got it off. The chrome outer ring is a simple nut. I couldn't see the two notches in it before that would have given it away as such! Some days I'm just so dense! Thanks!

Bill

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

You should be able to remove the cable from the back of the speedo, I pinched that little plastic holder/clip and it should pull rite out.

craig

wwwcad · 11:36 AM

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the extra tip, it will be nice to take the cable off the back of the speedo while working on it.

Just for fun, I've been looking for faces for my 68 gauges and haven't foudn any so far. Only ones I can locate are for later 911s. There just isn't a VDO supplier around that I can locate and third party folks don't seem to have such things. I'll keep looking, you never know!

Thanks,
Bill