Paul,

Whenever I get a new old car, I test the speedo (to avoid nasty surprises
involving laser guns and speeding tickets). In my (metric) part of the world, it
goes like this: drive 1 km (measured by the posts by the side of the highway), at
an indicated 100 km/h. This should take exactly 36 seconds (60 minutes * 60
seconds, divided by 100). If it takes longer, let's say 38 seconds, then your
speedo is exaggerating, because the real speed at an indicated 100 km/h is only
36/38 * 100 = 95 km/h.

I guess if you drive 1 mile at an indicated 60 mph, this should take exactly 1
minute. If it takes 65 seconds, then you're doing only 55 mph in reality (60 secs
/65 secs * 60 mph). If it only takes 58 secs, then you are doing 62 mph in
reality. YMMV.

Good luck

Robin
90 Vanagon Westfalia Atlantic TD
The Netherlands

"Paul M. Hillbish" wrote:

> Recently I had a problem with my speedometer. It was falling down inside the
> console so far that I could only see from 40-60 MPH. This was no huge problem
> though it annoyed me. Then the needle snapped off. The other day, I took the
> assembly apart and super glued a plastic sword toothpick to the center post
> to act as a needle. (Also to give it some more personality) But I have a
> concern about this. Is it weight sensitive? I am sure that the toothpick is
> heavier than the original needle, so my question is: Is my speedo accurate
> anymore? It seems to be, but I have a bit of a habit to press the gas pedal,
> and I like to know exactly how fast I am going. If anyone has any feedback on
> this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
>
> --Paul--

[text/x-vcard]
begin:vcard
n:Oomkes;Robin Oomkes
x-mozilla-html:FALSE
org:S.W.I.F.T. sc;Market Infrastructures Team
adr:;;;;;;
version:2.1
email;internet:robin.oomkes@swift.com
title:Senior Analyst
fn:Robin Oomkes
end:vcard