S1 - Speedo Problems

[Sunbeam Fanatic]

Hi all,

Still working on a number of glitches, one that is proving very problematical is the speedo. The cable drive is working fine and the odometer is working so drive is getting into the unit but the speedo needle refuses to move!!

Has anyone else experienced this and found a cure?

Does anyone know if it is possible to get the speedo / rev. counter binnacle restored?

Or as a last resort any idea where I can get another one (preferably new?)

Cheers,

Steven.

[GordonMasson]

I had a problem where the needle had bent up and was just touching the inside of the glass. It looked like the speedo was faulty but it was fine.

have you tried running the speedo using a portable hand drill to confirm it works/doesnr work on the bench?

NEW... well i have only seen one new instrument unit for sale on E-bay and the guy wanted several hundred pounds for it!!!!

If you do find a source let me know

[Tony K]

I will second Gordon by saying that most speedo problems in S1s are just the needle rubbing the "glass" (actually plastic). As the sun damages the needle over the years, it curves toward the glass.

The mechanicals appear to be common Veglia stuff, so you might first want to try a general speedometer repair/restoration place.

[paulbutvila]

I had a similar problem with my S1. Actually I ran my car for 12 years without a speedo. I eventually went to all electronic gauges from Classic Instruments They look great and no more cables to worry about. All I need to do now is finish up my paint, put the interior back in and test drive it.

[USAndretti42]

To get to the needle, you have to take the speedo out. Carefully remove the rubber seal around the back of the bezel as it can be fragile due to age. Then twist the bezel to line up the lugs with gaps in the flange at the front of the housing. You can then pull the bezel and glass off together. Don't drop the glass. Give the speedo a shake to see if the needle is free. Don't be rough with the needle as they are easy to bend to destruction.

[Tony K]

To get to the needle, you have to take the speedo out. Carefully remove the rubber seal around the back of the bezel as it can be fragile due to age. Then twist the bezel to line up the lugs with gaps in the flange at the front of the housing. You can then pull the bezel and glass off together. Don't drop the glass. Give the speedo a shake to see if the needle is free. Don't be rough with the needle as they are easy to bend to destruction.

Trevor is referring to Smith gauges (black face), not Veglia (green face).

[tonyp]

I believe SJ Sports can get them rebuilt & re-calibrated Give Steve a shout for a quote.

[USAndretti42]

Trevor is referring to Smith gauges (black face), not Veglia (green face).

Quite right, Tony. My mistake.

[Sunbeam Fanatic]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the tips, my mechanic is currently examining the gauge to see if the needle is touching the plastic cover, if it is he will be carefully removing the cover and try to re-shape the needle! If not off it goes to SJ for re-conditioning. I'll let you know the outcome.

Cheers,

Steven.

[Number 1]

Steven

If the needle is bent, the way i sorted my one out was to play a hair dryer onto the needle so that it became less brittle and then bent it back into shape and held it there while it cooled down.

Watch you dont snap the needle or bend the spindal!

Works great now