[C2] Removing a speedometer
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Removing a speedometer
My '64 has a speedometer that is frozen. Needs a rebuild or a new one. I took it to a mechanic (I'm a driver not a mechanic) who told me he had to remove the steering column to take out the entire instrument panel to get to the speedometer. Is that the only way to get the speedo out? Can't believe that would be a design feature.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 134
From: merritt island fl
C1 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2016 C1 of the Year Finalist
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
Unfortunately for us, many things are designed for ease of assembly at the factory, not maintenance 50 years later.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 282
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
The steering column doesn’t HAVE to be removed, but it makes the job a whole lot easier. I’ve done it both ways. The Chassis Service Manual doesn’t say to remove the column – less work for the dealer mechanic. The escutcheon and mast jacket cover will have to be removed, and you’ll need to protect the column paint if you leave it in. The time saved by leaving the column in is probably not of value to the hobbyist, but if you were paying for it, there might be a difference.
Last edited by Mike67nv; May 1, 2017 at 12:49 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
It's a lot easier to pull the column. Gives you more wiggle room to pull the cluster, and less chance of gouging/scratching the paint on the column too.
In addition, once you have the instrument cluster out, it'll need to be sent out to an instrument repair specialist... You don't get "instant gratification". The car could be down and out for several weeks or more.
Then, you run into the 'while I'm at it' syndrome.
The tachometer has as many turns on it as the speedo... so you might as well do the tach too.
Instruments looking shabby? Might want to reface/repaint them, as well as re-calibrate them. Do you need/want new lenses?
Does the cluster itself need restored? New paint, maybe some rechroming?
It's a project that can snowball on you.
In addition, once you have the instrument cluster out, it'll need to be sent out to an instrument repair specialist... You don't get "instant gratification". The car could be down and out for several weeks or more.
Then, you run into the 'while I'm at it' syndrome.
The tachometer has as many turns on it as the speedo... so you might as well do the tach too.
Instruments looking shabby? Might want to reface/repaint them, as well as re-calibrate them. Do you need/want new lenses?
Does the cluster itself need restored? New paint, maybe some rechroming?
It's a project that can snowball on you.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
I really don't know how else you would do it without boogering up paint or kinking some wires or your body!
Some lengths of 1/4" 20 all thread with some 'jam' nuts on the end as stops and life is good
Some lengths of 1/4" 20 all thread with some 'jam' nuts on the end as stops and life is good
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; May 2, 2017 at 01:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Luckily there is a speedo/tach repair guy 25 miles from me (Ray's Speedometer in Grants Pass, Oregon). He is 79 years old, been doing these old instruments for 40 years. Said he is retiring end of this year. Says he can do both speedo and tach in a couple days. But good advise, I'll make sure everything is in working order before putting the panel back in.