Its just ive bought one off ebay, and its not as good as described, or as good as the pictures. Ive got half my money back, so im happy with that. im just wondering, can you purchase replacement chrome bezels? as this one is quite badly pitted in areas.
i would also like to know how to take the glass off (it looks like it comes off if you take the bezel off), as its a bit dirty inside, with a couple of dead little insects ect! could do with a clean!
Smiths speedo's, the centre ones...
Started by
nmt_oli
, Feb 14 2006 10:39 PM
6 replies to this topic
#2
AlexM
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 11:20 PM
I was wondering the same thing as i have a smiths voltmeter and ammeter and a speedograph vacuum gauge, and they all need a bit of a clean inside.
#3
Dan
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Posted 15 February 2006 - 12:19 AM
Talk to Speedy Cables about getting the units overhauled. They rebuild gauges at quite reasonable rates.
#4
Guess-Works.com
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Posted 15 February 2006 - 07:25 AM
I refurb my own, but check car shows out for replacement rings etc...
#5
dklawson
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Posted 15 February 2006 - 01:35 PM
The chrome bits are probably NLA. For parts you may also want to contact Caerbont (the new Smiths) directly to see IF they have any parts. You can check with Speedy Cables as Guessworks suggested regarding profession restoration.
If you want to refurbish the speedo yourself, do a google search for "Anthony Rhodes" and "Smiths". After a few false links you'll come to several for his 27 page PDF that is a MUST HAVE when working on Smiths and Jaeger speedometers. Print out a copy and have it (and your digital camera) by your side if you delve into the guts of your speedometer.
As for removing the bezels, it depends on which instrument you're working on. The center binnacle speedo bezels are crimped on. Flip the gauge upside down on its face (on top of a towel) and examine the back edge of the chrome ring. You'll find a few spots spaced around the ring which have been tapped inward. Use flat, smooth jaw pliers to carefully pry these back out. After that you gently pry and twist the bezel off the front of the gauge. There is/was sealing goo up next the glass that may make removing the parts a bit tough. Go slowly, don't force things. Spray a little WD-40 on things as necessary and allow enough time for it to soak in and soften any antique rubber.
The 2-1/16" (52mm) gauges are similar in disassembly. Flip the gauge over on its face (again... on a towel). You'll see a few fingers of chrome folded over and "slots" in the rim of the gauge case/body. What you need to do is rotate the chrome ring relative to the gauge cup/body until the slots and tabs line up, then you pull the bezel off. This is almost always easier said than done. The same goo is between the glass and chrome that I mentioned about the speedo above. Plan on spraying the glass and back of the bezel with WD-40 and allowing it to soak in. You may also need to use a small flat blade screwdriver to SLIGHTLY lift the chrome tabs up, releasing a little pressure. (SLIGHTLY... you don't want to fatigue these chrome fingers and break them off). I've found that the use of gripper pads like you might use to help get a stubborn jar lid off help when trying to grab and turn the bezel.
When you clean the gauge face... USE WATER ONLY. The white paint on old Smiths/Jaeger gauges is garbage. If you use any strong cleaner or soap you're likely to end up with a solid black gauge face with no markings on it. Use a cotton swab and water to remove dirt and grime. The paint for plastic models applied with a detail brush usually works well for touch-ups.
Can you tell I love gauges?
If you want to refurbish the speedo yourself, do a google search for "Anthony Rhodes" and "Smiths". After a few false links you'll come to several for his 27 page PDF that is a MUST HAVE when working on Smiths and Jaeger speedometers. Print out a copy and have it (and your digital camera) by your side if you delve into the guts of your speedometer.
As for removing the bezels, it depends on which instrument you're working on. The center binnacle speedo bezels are crimped on. Flip the gauge upside down on its face (on top of a towel) and examine the back edge of the chrome ring. You'll find a few spots spaced around the ring which have been tapped inward. Use flat, smooth jaw pliers to carefully pry these back out. After that you gently pry and twist the bezel off the front of the gauge. There is/was sealing goo up next the glass that may make removing the parts a bit tough. Go slowly, don't force things. Spray a little WD-40 on things as necessary and allow enough time for it to soak in and soften any antique rubber.
The 2-1/16" (52mm) gauges are similar in disassembly. Flip the gauge over on its face (again... on a towel). You'll see a few fingers of chrome folded over and "slots" in the rim of the gauge case/body. What you need to do is rotate the chrome ring relative to the gauge cup/body until the slots and tabs line up, then you pull the bezel off. This is almost always easier said than done. The same goo is between the glass and chrome that I mentioned about the speedo above. Plan on spraying the glass and back of the bezel with WD-40 and allowing it to soak in. You may also need to use a small flat blade screwdriver to SLIGHTLY lift the chrome tabs up, releasing a little pressure. (SLIGHTLY... you don't want to fatigue these chrome fingers and break them off). I've found that the use of gripper pads like you might use to help get a stubborn jar lid off help when trying to grab and turn the bezel.
When you clean the gauge face... USE WATER ONLY. The white paint on old Smiths/Jaeger gauges is garbage. If you use any strong cleaner or soap you're likely to end up with a solid black gauge face with no markings on it. Use a cotton swab and water to remove dirt and grime. The paint for plastic models applied with a detail brush usually works well for touch-ups.
Can you tell I love gauges?
#6
jam2005
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#7
nmt_oli
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Posted 15 February 2006 - 03:06 PM
Ohh! thanks for replies guys, i just need the chrome bezel really, as it looks in pretty good condition otherwise, and does register a speed when turned at the back.
I thought that might be how you take them off, now need to find me a bezel! might have to get a dead guae off ebay with a good bezel!
I thought that might be how you take them off, now need to find me a bezel! might have to get a dead guae off ebay with a good bezel!
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