13 replies to this topic

[rally1380]

I'm looking to make a dash in my car sometime soon as it doesn't really have one!

Currently got a standard 3 clock dash but i'm not the biggest fan of it and it's a bit of a bodge.

So my plan is to fit seperate smiths gauges (oil pressure, water temp etc etc) into a nice period looking dash and want to retain the speedo and tacho behind the steering wheel, but was wandering what are the best speedo and tacho's to look out for?

Have searched ebay for smiths gauges and loads come up but what car would be the best donor?

And i'm assuming they may need recalibrating.

Cheers and Merry Christmas (almost)

[dklawson]

There is no simple answer.

For the speedometer you need to match the "Turns-per-mile" number of your current speedometer or it will not read correctly. Many aftermarket speedometers are calibrated for 1000 turns/mile. That is not a ratio you will see on the Mini. You can fit any speedometer you want by also having a speedometer make an inline ratio converter gearbox. The ratio converter takes cable turns (in) from your transmission and gears that up or down as needed so the output of the box delivers the turns/mile your "new" speedometer requires. A ratio box will add at least 60 to 80 GBP to the cost of your new speedometer project.

For the tachometer, buy one that matches the style of the speedometer you select. Buy electric, not mechanical. If you are considering Smiths tachometers, buy an RVC type, NOT an RVI type (it will be printed on the face somewhere). Pay attention to the shape of the chrome gauge bezels and the fonts on the gauge faces. If you shop around you will eventually find a complete set of large and small gauges like you want that match each other reasonably well.

[rally1380]

I thought it was a case of hunting one from a sprite or midget or triumph and getting it callibrated?

[jaydee]

Try to find out whats the tpm of your current speedo, there are smiths centre speedo with a lot of different tpm calibrations, so you can buy the correct one by simply knowing what tpm you need.
Have a look at the triumph speedos as they have a trip meter, like this:
http://www.ebay.co.u...e-/330808923070

As per rev counters, i have a late MGB rev counter, great looking and its RVC, search 'the gauge shop' on ebay they sell reconditioned rev counters.

[rally1380]

My current setup is standard rover (not smiths) three clock behind steering wheel....any idea of TPM anyone?

[jaydee]

Nippon seiki 110mph? 1300 iirc
Should be written on the back of the speedo

[rally1380]

90mph and not gonna start taking it apart...would be a maul to get it out at the moment.

[jaydee]

1242

[rally1380]

Go on then....how did you know that? Is there a mystical website out there with info?

cheers tho and i'm assuming the 1242 is the TPM?

[jaydee]

Yes 1242 tpm, and actually theres a mystical website too!!

http://www.tomsminis..._calculator.php

[dklawson]

The Triumph speedo linked to above by Jaydee would be a good choice. You will note on its face that it is calibrated for 1248 TPM. (Look below the orange "3" in the trip odometer). 1242 to 1248 is a difference of less than 1/2% to a 1242 TPM speedo. That is super close.

Getting another speedo "re-calibrated" as you describe is not going to be cheap. It is NOT as simple as changing where the needle points at a given speed. For the odometer to read accurately several gears have to be replaced. By the time you pay for that service it would be less expensive to buy a programmable electronic speedometer. The ratio box is a much less expensive option that has a very predictable cost. The ratio box will let you use any speedometer you choose.

If you go for the Triumph speedo and matching tach you will note that for the Mk4 Spitfires the gauge bezels were "black" not chrome. You CAN swap bezels to match the other Smiths/Jaeger gauges you buy but of course that is an additional expense. Also keep in the back of your mind that British Jaeger is compatible with Smiths. Jaeger from the continent is not.

[The Principal]

I run the gauges out of a 1300gt that have been calibrated by speedy cables, not cheep but they look good. If you cant get ya hands on those how about these? http://www.speedycab...com/page15.html

[rally1380]

Many thanks for the information guys.

I don't really want to buy a programmable electronic speedo as i'm more looking for a retro look.....in fact i'm trying to replicate a 70's works mini clubman dash.

'The Principle' - i think a 170MPH speedo is otimistic to say the least!!!! BUT THEY DO LOOK NICE EH!!!

[dklawson]

Again, if you want classic looks and a mechanical speedometer, buy what you like and then have a ratio box made to adapt it to your car. It will cost less than "converting" the speedo to match what your car's gearing delivers.

EDIT: In the U.S., the link below is for one supplier of ratio conversion boxes. This will give you an idea what I am talking about. They are about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
http://www.gaugeguys...peedcorrect.htm
Someplace like SpeedyCables should sell these in the U.K.

Edited by dklawson, 21 December 2012 - 03:53 AM.