Subject: RE: Chrome instrument ring removal?
Author: Gary Cheek
Date: Sep 13, 2001, 5:17 PM
Post ID: 1708230791
Hello Tim,
To begin with the easiest and cheapest way is to send the instrument
to a shop like PALO ALTO SPEEDOMETER Co . They still have new bezels for
many of the old speedos. While they have it apart you may want the
speedo or tach cleaned and lubed as well. A little corrosion on the
pivot pin can cause a lot of the nervous needle syndrome.
OK ,they don't have the ring or the cost is too high ,or for some
other reason sending it out is not an option.
I usually turn a female ring ,boring out the inside to accept the OD of
the instrument. Provide a set of holes in the center to secure the ring
to a workbench or in some way hold it securely.Make sure all is away
from the glass when the instrument is inserted. Now,this is
important,you want to support the ring on it's face to prevent
distortion while you are removing AND when replacing it. First wax the
face.glass and sides , Now mix small batch of plastic body filler and
apply it to the inside of the aluminum ring. Use just enough to fill the
gap between the ring and the front form of the bezel. Push the
instrument face firmly into the Bondo and allow to set. Now remove the
speedo and clean up excess making sure nothing will be making contact
with the glass. You now have a tool to support the shape of the ring
while you carefully pry the crimp back. To reassemble take the time to
fashion a shaped brass punch. Now use the punch and a SMALL hammer
Patiently work the crimp back down with the rim again supported by the
fixture. Make sure to keep everything centered and work SLOWLY.The
purpose of the Bondo squeeze is to support the face of the ring and
minimize distortion,don't skip that srep.
A little patience ,skill and luck should produce a neat crimp ,but it
is hard to beat the factory crimp or the new bezel from the speedo shop!
I have used this method and it works well ---
Good Luck~
Tim wrote:
| Anyone know of a good way to remove the chrome rings on the speedo and tach, without harm? I would like to have them re-chromed. Also, anything I may want to consider while I have them apart as far as repair? Both work. Tim |
Gary Cheek
1971 Ambassador (I think it's sold)
1972 Eldorado Police
1974 Eldorado 4LS/Amal carb civilian