Hi Dale:

I used a portable drill (fully charged), hooked up to the top section of a
speedometer cable, to give me a baseline on where the needle should go
before I removed it. According to the article, a 1000 rpm should be 60 mph,
but I am not sure if this applies to only the Volvo model in the article or
all VDO speedometers.

I found that my drill at maximum rpm (do not know its rpm) was equivalent to
45 mph. Thus I could remove the needle, take everything  apart, move the
odometer gears, and then reposition the needle when done. Test on the road
indicate that I am well within my error for holding the van at constant
speed over a mile.

"Dale G." wrote:

> Jeff,
>
> Thanks for the info.  How do you use the drill to calibrate the
> needle?
>
> Dale
>
> On 16 Nov 2002, at 10:23, Jeff Strickrott wrote:
>
> > Try this link
> > http://members.ispwest.com/jkcaplan/Speedofaq/speedo.htm. It describes
> > how to fix an older VDO speedometer from a Volvo. I used it for ideas
> > on how to take apart an 85 speedometer and reset the mileage to what
> > was on my original speedometer. I upgraded my 82's cluster to an 85 to
> > have the tachometer.
> >
> > I used a small pair of surgical clamps that have a slight bend on them
> > (I had gotten the clamps at a ham fest so don't know where else they
> > can be found). Use them as a lever to pry the needle off of the pin.
> > Before you remove it though hook up a drill to set a calibration point
> > for when you have to replace the needle.
> >
> > --Jeff Strickrott
> > 82 Westy, South Florida
> >
> > "Dale G." wrote:
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I have a question on speedometer dismantling.
> > >
> > > My old speedo became unreliable (showed 17% high), but the
> > > odometer was good.  I got a "new" speedo from a donor.  It is right
> > > on, but the odometer doesn't work.  I thought I'd dismantle them and
> > > make one good one.  However, I can't get the needle off (the needle
> > > must be removed to get the facelplate off, which must be removed to
> > > get to the innards...).  I can't find a set screw.  I've tried some
> > > solvents for superglue, etc, but it doesn't work.
> > >
> > > Does anyone know how to get the needle off?
> > >
> > > BTW, I searched the archives, but couldn't find anything, to my
> > > surprise.  If I'm wrong, please let me know.
> > >
> > > thanks,
> > > Dale
> > > 84 Westie
> >