Removing Speedo needle

[akokarski]

Hi,

There are about 40 posts of one page full search results on various speedo needle questions and how to get it removed, but nothing really conclusive for a sure safe way to remove these little buggers.

Here is why I want to get it off. Speedo is ticking and yes I can clean it up lube it and ticking and jumping needle symptoms should be cured. However, clear plastic part with numbers is cracked and I would like to replace it. I've got a few non cracked ones from early speedos which I scored at BOR from flowerbox (very nice panel btw). I think those should work, except for the ODO clear part, but I might be able to defrost the back of the dial wider to get all numbers showing.

I started tearing down one of the worse speedos for practice and little button that holds the needle is really on there. It feels like bastard is on there with a quite decent interference fit.

Now I am not afraid of braking the needle, as could probably take one make a mold and cast replacements. It's the button that I am having lots of trouble with. I was thinking of building a puller that would hook around the back and pull the button off, but this sounds like it's going to be come a 3 month machining project just to get a needle off the speedo. Is there a better way to get it off?

Thanks,
Anton

[Gary]

First, here are a couple of threads that deal with speedometer R&R:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=327535
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=179776&start=10

Second, I be the ticking is due to the plastic worm gear in the back. I know this is a bad picture, but it should give you an idea:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=585503
_________________
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943)

[akokarski]

Hi Icy,

Yep. I've seen these threads and I've done speedo for my beetle. I think the difference between T1 and T3 speedo's is that the round part that needle is attached to made out of steel, not plastic over steel. And this is where I am having trouble of R&R.

Anton

[Russ Wolfe]

PM Timgud. He used to do speedometer repairs.
_________________
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up, you end up with a lot of scum on the top!--Edward Abbey

Gary: OK. Ima poop.

[Gary]

If/When you find out, would you post some pics? I have a myriad of gauges and will not be surprised if I find a Type 3 speedometer in the group.
_________________
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943)

[dnwar]

I have tried to remove my type 3 1971 speedo needle but it wont budge. do I need to force it? I cant even remove the tripmeter reset knob, but I can get around that issue. Dan

[dnwar]

I did look at the threads you gave. I think the answer is that the needle mount may be made of metal and is just a tight fit. I am going to put a piece of paper or plastic under a prying point so as not to mark up the face of the speedo. then I can pry harder with a tool like a door panel remover tool. thanks

[Mike Fisher]

A dinner fork
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69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
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Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

[W1K1]

yep, fork it
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