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80 Speedometer change

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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 12:09 AM
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Default 80 Speedometer change

I would like to change my 1980 speedo for a higher mph one as mine only goes to 85 mph. Is there an easy replacement or do I need to spend the big bucks for a converted one?
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 07:40 AM
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It is a pretty easy change out to do. I have seen them on ebay for sale and these are ones that have been converted. I sent mine into Zips (they no longer offer this service) and then had to take it to another shop to be calibrated.

Suggest if you get one, do not send in yours, get a spare, just in case.
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 07:53 AM
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I sent mine here for a conversion. Took about 2 weeks. Very pleased with the work done. Its been a few years now but I think it cost $120 and $10 shipping.

http://www.redlineg.com/index.htm

http://www.redlineg.com/index_files/Page723.htm

Last edited by spikebot 81; Aug 22, 2010 at 07:56 AM.
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 10:07 AM
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I ask this out of sheer ignorance, so forgive me... Why can't a '79 or '81/'82 be substituted? I know the '79 is a high mph. What's the difference other than the drive gear in the trans?
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by spikebot 81
I sent mine here for a conversion. Took about 2 weeks. Very pleased with the work done. Its been a few years now but I think it cost $120 and $10 shipping.

http://www.redlineg.com/index.htm

http://www.redlineg.com/index_files/Page723.htm
I too used redline.
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by CaseyJones
I ask this out of sheer ignorance, so forgive me... Why can't a '79 or '81/'82 be substituted? I know the '79 is a high mph. What's the difference other than the drive gear in the trans?
81 and 82 are 85 mph.i would say if the 79 is 120 mph it should work .i would call red line they could tell you for shure.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 03:40 AM
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All the major vendors used to have these in stock but they may not be as popular as they once were. Generaly they use a Speedo reduction in the Cable that is some what prone to fail. Then You can take it to a speedo shop (if you can still find one) and they can calibrate it so it dosn't need the Speed reduction. Oddly enough, at Car Shows I have lots to look at more people notice it and ask me about the speedo. I think they had a 160mph and a 255mph. No, I have never buried my 255.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 07:56 AM
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I am thinking about just buying a new 140 mph speedometer because my original speedo would need repairs, not just a new face and recalibration.

If I buy a new speedo, how would I set the mileage to the correct number? I know you can't just move the numbers.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 10:48 PM
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Here is a pic of a 165 MPH speedo originally from Corvette Clinic (NOS) which I recently sold to another CF'er. Have one just like it in my SA. The reason I'm posting this is so you'll know how a well done conversion appears vs. the "Fisher Price" looking ones which I've seen...


Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Aug 23, 2010 at 10:51 PM.
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