| Author |
Message |
PJE1
Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2008
Posts: 12
Location: Near Houston, TX
|
 Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 2:52 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
| Great posts. I have a little different speedo problem. The brass piece that the cable goes into on back of the speedo is worn out and the cable no longer spinns the brass piece. Adapter for want of a better name. Any suggestions on how to neck down the adapter or make the square hole smaller, or the cable head larger. I have several cables and I used the largest one that I have. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm not aware of any legitimate way to fix this. I've never looked to see if tht piece can be replaced when I had the speedometers apart.
Quick fixes... Reform the square with JB weld, enlarge the cable end with JB Weld to fit more securely, or try to shim it by wedging something in the hole with the cable end to get yourself a tight fit.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case  |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| hey guys great info! My speedometer WAS clicking and bouncing all over the place until today when it decided to stop working. I searched and found this thread and may tackle the project of taking it apart soon. I have a 69 bug thats stick but my speedo has an ATF light so im not sure its the original or not. I know the only way to tell is to tear it apart and check the gears but does this sound like a gear problem or a grease problem? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
| hey guys great info! My speedometer WAS clicking and bouncing all over the place until today when it decided to stop working. I searched and found this thread and may tackle the project of taking it apart soon. I have a 69 bug thats stick but my speedo has an ATF light so im not sure its the original or not. I know the only way to tell is to tear it apart and check the gears but does this sound like a gear problem or a grease problem? |
All '69 speedometers have an ATF light, so don't worry about that.
As for your issue, sounds like either your cable broke or one of the ends is stripped. You'll need to check the hole in the grease cap to make sure the cable isn't spinning freely in that. Your cable end and the corresponding hole in the cap need to be square. Hell, it could be as simple as the end popped out of the cap and just needs to be reinserted and secured.
At the speedometer end, check the cable and the receiver to make sure all is well there.
Your original problem of bouncy needle syndrome is typically caused by dried grease or a lack thereof. The clicking could've been the start of your cable problem, or your gear has broken. Your needle does nothing but does your odometer turn?
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It happened right as i pulled into my neighbor hood so i'll have to test if the odometer is working. my bug has only been back on the road for about a week after sitting for 23 years so could be lack of grease. First time i hit 65mph in the thing and the speedo breaks  I will take the cable off the speedo and try pulling it through to see if it snapped. If it did, and i get a new cable, do you advise taking the speedo apart and greasing the gears? will i break more things like gears and stuff if its not properly greased? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
| It happened right as i pulled into my neighbor hood so i'll have to test if the odometer is working. my bug has only been back on the road for about a week after sitting for 23 years so could be lack of grease. First time i hit 65mph in the thing and the speedo breaks I will take the cable off the speedo and try pulling it through to see if it snapped. If it did, and i get a new cable, do you advise taking the speedo apart and greasing the gears? will i break more things like gears and stuff if its not properly greased? |
Even if you disconnect one end, you won't be able to pull the cable from the sheath if the cable snapped. Each end prevents that.
I'd say take it around your neighborhood first and see if the odometer still works. If it does, the problem isn't your cable. If it doesn't, then follow the steps from my last post to eliminate possibilities.
For a novice, the two biggest concerns for opening up a speedometer are the wiring and the chrome bezel. If you decide to remove the speedometer, a helpful idea is to sketch out a quick wiring diagram before disconnecting your light wires. That makes reinstalation a breeze. The bezel can be tricky to remove if you want to do it right and without damage. It's thin metal. Following Andy's technique is fine but if you pry too much you'll put a lot of chingers in the outer lip that won't look good when you're finished.
The pros and cons of taking the speedometer apart depend on you. It's not a huge project but it is tedious. It gives you the chance to clean and recreate the gears, clean the inside of the lens, and inspect/restore the indicator gels. The cons of doing it are the potential of breaking something like the needle or the fuel gauge. Not likely but it can happen of you aren't cautious.
The downside of not doing any of this is, and the problem is fixed outside the speedometer, you may still have a jumpy needle and dried, cracked or faded gels.
It comes down to how much time and energy you want to put onto it.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
ok cool. What about the clicking noise? It sounded as if it was coming from the speedo itself is this anything to worry about?
And if the cable popped out of the grease cap how do you secure it? I remember putting it through the hole when i put new drums on |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
ok cool. What about the clicking noise? It sounded as if it was coming from the speedo itself is this anything to worry about?
And if the cable popped out of the grease cap how do you secure it? I remember putting it through the hole when i put new drums on |
You'll have to determine first of that noise is actually coming from the speedometer. Now that it isn't working, listen for it next time you drive.
The cable end is held in the grease cap by a clip. Did you install that when you finished your brake job? Without the clip there's nothing to hold it there.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
i installed it after the brake job but dont recall a clip  may have found our problem. would you have any idea of what "size" clip it is so i can grab one at autozone w/o using the try and fail method? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
| i installed it after the brake job but dont recall a clip may have found our problem. would you have any idea of what "size" clip it is so i can grab one at autozone w/o using the try and fail method? |
Not off the top of my head, no. It's just an E-clip. Most autoparts and such, even Harbor Freight, likely sell packs of assorted sizes pretty cheap. Or individually, they're cheap enough to grab a couple different ones.
You'll not that the cable end has a groove for this clip.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
driving with out the speedometer working and no clicking noise, no odometer either.
Cable did indeed snap. The square end was still in the grease cap but it was broken right behind it.
Im going to get a new cable and clip tomorrow at the vw shop. If it still clicks and jumps is it anything to worry about? Can i possibly damage the gears by running it like this? Its a tad annoying but i can deal with it for now assuming its no big deal.
Thanks for all the help too i really appreciate it!  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
driving with out the speedometer working and no clicking noise, no odometer either.
Cable did indeed snap. The square end was still in the grease cap but it was broken right behind it.
Im going to get a new cable and clip tomorrow at the vw shop. If it still clicks and jumps is it anything to worry about? Can i possibly damage the gears by running it like this? Its a tad annoying but i can deal with it for now assuming its no big deal.
Thanks for all the help too i really appreciate it! |
The needle bounce is an annoyance. The clicking would concern me if it continues.
Ironically, I'm experiencing an intermittent clicking as well and have always attributed it to my steering column. Perhaps I should rethink that. Either way, I'm at this very moment building myself a new speedometer.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Nice! The clicking seems like the gears that are barley connecting. At low speed i would hear the click and have a HUGE needle bounce, at high speed the clicking gets faster and needle bounce is much smaller. Seems to have something to do with how fast im going, which worries me that its the gears. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tundrawolf
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2009
Posts: 1384
Location: RIP Mishomi my friend. I will always love you.
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| IMO the reason you do not want to mess with the needle is calibration. Unless you can know exactly what RPM the speedo cable is spinning at, say, 55 MPH, you can replicate that RPM with a machine, then stick the needle on facing exactly 55MPH. That's pretty much the only way to do it. A jewelers spring will cause the shaft to "unwind" if you remove the needle and then you will be in a heap of trouble unless you can gauge the rpm of the speedo cable. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| tundrawolf wrote: |
| IMO the reason you do not want to mess with the needle is calibration. Unless you can know exactly what RPM the speedo cable is spinning at, say, 55 MPH, you can replicate that RPM with a machine, then stick the needle on facing exactly 55MPH. That's pretty much the only way to do it. A jewelers spring will cause the shaft to "unwind" if you remove the needle and then you will be in a heap of trouble unless you can gauge the rpm of the speedo cable. |
This isn't true, actually. If you dismantle a '69 speedometer and look at the dial face, on the bottom left outer edge, just to the right of the generator light hole, is a small white line. This is the preload tension calibration mark. Although not fun to do, of the needle is removed, a little trial and error can be used to reinstall the needle at the proper tension. The key is to get the needle to rest at that line and then carefully lift the needle up and over the stop to its idle resting place.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
| Nice! The clicking seems like the gears that are barley connecting. At low speed i would hear the click and have a HUGE needle bounce, at high speed the clicking gets faster and needle bounce is much smaller. Seems to have something to do with how fast im going, which worries me that its the gears. |
Do one of three things then after you replace the spring: take your speedometer apart and attempt repairs, buy a replacement for that purpose, or buy a drop in replacement (restored or otherwise).
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tundrawolf
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2009
Posts: 1384
Location: RIP Mishomi my friend. I will always love you.
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Describe "A little trial and error" 
My point! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| tundrawolf wrote: |
Describe "A little trial and error"
My point! |
Apply tension to the shaft, install the needle, and see where it sits. Adjust accordingly. Seems a lot less hassle than your suggestion.
What I'm going to try this time around is using a small clamp of some sort and pinch off the shaft behind the face so it's held stationary and then remove the needle.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
darth brian
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010
Posts: 226
Location: Riverside, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| '69Custom wrote: |
| darth brian wrote: |
| Nice! The clicking seems like the gears that are barley connecting. At low speed i would hear the click and have a HUGE needle bounce, at high speed the clicking gets faster and needle bounce is much smaller. Seems to have something to do with how fast im going, which worries me that its the gears. |
Do one of three things then after you replace the spring: take your speedometer apart and attempt repairs, buy a replacement for that purpose, or buy a drop in replacement (restored or otherwise). |
I may end up buys a rebuilt one. Seems like parts can cost almost as much as getting one rebuilt by someone who knows what theyre doing. Im confident i can do it, but if its only a little more money to get one already done i may just do that. It'll probably look way cleaner too. Will almost every vw speedo fit my car? What do you have to hack in a super beetle speedo to make it fit? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
'69Custom
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 2497
Location: Ventura, California
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| darth brian wrote: |
| '69Custom wrote: |
| darth brian wrote: |
| Nice! The clicking seems like the gears that are barley connecting. At low speed i would hear the click and have a HUGE needle bounce, at high speed the clicking gets faster and needle bounce is much smaller. Seems to have something to do with how fast im going, which worries me that its the gears. |
Do one of three things then after you replace the spring: take your speedometer apart and attempt repairs, buy a replacement for that purpose, or buy a drop in replacement (restored or otherwise). |
I may end up buys a rebuilt one. Seems like parts can cost almost as much as getting one rebuilt by someone who knows what theyre doing. Im confident i can do it, but if its only a little more money to get one already done i may just do that. It'll probably look way cleaner too. Will almost every vw speedo fit my car? What do you have to hack in a super beetle speedo to make it fit? |
If you don't want to make too drastic a change, then stick with something between '69 and '71, I think. Most are interchangeable though, but there are more than just cosmetic changes. To educate yourself, go through the classifieds and look at the different speedometers for different years.
_________________
-Tim
1969 Frankenbug
1965 Ford Mustang
:2gunfire: F-U-M-P!
~"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." ~The Boss
Please excuse any typos as my iPhone doesn't speak English very well.
| tham64 wrote: |
| Why tune a big round again and again????? For me.... 1 hour will solve the case |
www.endlesscustomz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
