Instrument repair

[crankedup]

Just when I find fixes for the gremlins on my B.T. another crops up. The speedo' instrument has decided to pack up, it hit 65mph (impossible) and has stuck there whilst making strange noisesoccasionally. This is a job for a specialist to repair and service, any recommendations please.

Most of my problems seem to be as a consequence of the car being unused for so many years, ten to my certain knowledge and who knows how much longer.

[M3 Mitch]

You could take it out of the dash and put some light oil (or Kroil penetrating oil) on the drive input, see if that helps - if you don't overdo it you are at worst out a few drops of oil.

You can spin the speedo with something like a toothpick in a drill (be careful) to see if this did any good.

If it does not help at all, you had to take it out to send to a specialist shop anyway.

I don't know a good UK shop, there are a few in the US.

Probably most people are not satisfied with instrument rebuilds, so choose carefully who you turn it over to.

The Smiths unit in my MG-B I was able to take the main cover off, oil things up a little and improve operation a lot. Although, be careful, they don't like ham-handed handlers.

[puffpuff]

You might try: www.autoinstrumentservices.com/

[crankedup]

Thanks M3mitch and PuffPuff.

I have used Speedycables for making up new speedo' cable and I see they do carry out repairs to the actual instruments. My speedo' is manufactured by Cowes, extremely rare and valuble in the sense that it is virtually irreplaceable, hence my call for leads.

I will take the speedo' out of the dash and have a quick look, but I am very wary that I do not cause more damage of course.

[flat16]

Whilst this link comes from part of an MG-related site, the firm restore instruments for all makes and have such a reputation that people send work to them from all around the world: www.mgcars.org.uk/vr/index.html

John Marks has a good name in the field of instrument restoration - I've seen his work and its pretty meticulous - I can't tell you what he'll charge though!

[flat16]

Taken from site said:

Founded in 1967, our aim has always been to provide quality restoration of instruments and dashboard fittings. We do not deal with other items, in order to concentrate our efforts on one aspect of the vehicle restoration.

[crankedup]

Thanks Flat16, several people here and elsewhere have recommendedVintage Restorations and this seems to be the Company I have been hoping to find. Lord only knows what it may cost, it may have to wait a few months.

[lowdrag]

If it was me I'd go here and have a word with them All my Jaguars (admittedly post war) have all had rev counters or speedos repaired by them and they know their stuff. Worth a phone call to discuss the matter anyway.

www.speedycables.co.uk/

Oh, I assume the speedo stuck at 65mph in 1st?

[crankedup]

lowdrag said:

If it was me I'd go here and have a word with them All my Jaguars (admittedly post war) have all had rev counters or speedos repaired by them and they know their stuff. Worth a phone call to discuss the matter anyway.

www.speedycables.co.uk/

Oh, I assume the speedo stuck at 65mph in 1st?

65mph in 1st I did a speed trial recently and on a public road, such was my confidence that I would not be breaking the speed limit in said area. My Bro' followed and clocked me in his modern, to both our astonishment I clocked a very heady 49 MPH more to go on the pedal but no speed increase when I pressed it to the floorboard.