Chrome Speedo Ring For Ovals

[Martin Southwell]

Does anybody out there know of a source for purchasing a chrome speedo ring fo fit Ovals please? The ones I've bought and sent back (twice) have been badly scratched, and certainly not fit for use. There doesn't seem to anybody wanting to make them, unless somebody knows better, I hope!

[Martin Southwell]

That's an underwhelming response! Found them here for anybody who would like to know. I'm assured that they are good quality this time around:

https://www.justkampers.com/air-cooled-vw-parts/vw...-1957.html

[esde]

Martin,
I believe that at some point during oval production it changed from plated steel to polished aluminum. I had a 57 that was aluminum, but the 55 I parted out years ago used a steel one that was plated, now it’s all rusted.
For my zwitter I intend to get the original replate, as it is the focus of the dash..
Someone does offer a nicer looking one, but I haven’t had a sec to see if I bookmarked it.
Seth
_________________
modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[Martin Southwell]

Hi. Yes, from what is available at the moment, you would be better off re-plating if possible. I received the new aluminium ring today, and it's the usual junk, so on its way back. See below:

[my3bugs]

if its aluminum and not anodized you polish that up like a mirror with some mothers mag polish . just sayn .

sure sad looking for a new part , i prolly have better used ones LOL

[Martin Southwell]

The paintwork around the speedo is nice, so I would rather look at that, rather than this item. Maybe it would be better if polished, but not 100% I'm sure, and then again, why should I? The profile isn't wonderful either.

BBT list one, as having a chromed finish, but have none in stock. Hence my original question as to whether anybody knows of a source of these.

[banana split]

I just bought one of these :

https://www2.cip1.com/vwc-113-957-371-es/

I was surprised at how thick and heavy it is. I'm sure it's steel and not aluminum. I guess I could take a magnet to it. Unfortunately the "chrome" finish sucks. Looks like spray-chrome as opposed to actual plating. Certainly doesn't have a mirror like finish. More like a wrapped in aluminum foil look
_________________
My Beetles :
1951 Crotch Cooler 11G Split Ragtop
1953 Zwitter
1964 Chop Top

[Martin Southwell]

I've just looked at that advert, and although the picture isn't of great quality, neither is the product shown! If you look at the finish, it's also full of blemishes. It would be interesting to know if the item supplied to you is actually steel.

[rich caramadre]

I just got one of these from Cip1 and it is very nice. Plated not polished alum.

[Martin Southwell]

Thanks for that feedback. I've just ordered one, which for a $22 item in the US, is a $66 item when sent to the UK. I do hope it's worth it! Thanks again.

[Martin Southwell]

Amazing - The ring turned up today, 4 days after ordering from California to the UK. I'm well pleased with the speedo ring. Not entirely flawless, but very good indeed, and light years away from anything else available. As you say, it's steel, and a good weight. It'll make my dash look presentable again.

Many thanks for the lead, and to CIP1 for holding the part, and for getting it to me so quickly. Shame other replacement parts don't generally match up to this service and quality.

[esde]

Based on Martins feedback, I ordered one with some other stuff I had coming from CIP1. My impression is the same, not perfect but very nice
I will probably have my original replated and use whichever seems better.
54 grams, feels heavier then the original, need to dig that out and weigh it

SD
_________________
modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[kintail]

For the record, my 1954 has an aluminum ring and polished up quite nicely. CIP also has the speedometer seal which tends to fall apart with age.

They ship quickly and if you hit the right $$ amount its free for us in Canada.

Also ordered from them a complete Wolfsburg West replacement wiring harness this week since the previous owner decided to paint everything including the wiring. Plus with wiring being 70 years old it was an easy decision. Cost for the kit just over $500 Cdn.

Also changing all the electrical lighting in the car to 6V all LEDs, takes brightness to a new level!!
_________________
Scott

August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe

[banana split]