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Speedometer issues

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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 12:09 PM
  #1  
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Default Speedometer issues

I searched for the solution for this, pretty sure i know the answer, but all of the info on here as been so helpful thought i might see others thoughts, experiences on this issue since i didn't see my specific problem.

The speedometer worked ok when i brought the car home (1973 coupe with 4 speed), then started sticking real bad, and then seemed to work perfect. I figured since the car hadn't been driven much it just needed a little usage to get everything talking again. Then I went for a drive yesterday and the speedometer never worked....but the tripmeter did. I am guessing this means internal speedometer problems and needs to be rebuilt, but thought I would throw this one out there. if this is the case, anyone know of a reputable places where i can get it rebuilt?

Sure love my first C3!
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 04:18 PM
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if your trip meter and your odometer are working, then the cable is spinning the speedometer housing.. therefor your problem is in the speedometer and yes, it will need rebuilt.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 04:20 PM
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I used Metro Speedometer in Independence Mo. $125 carry-in. Came back perfect.
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 06:04 PM
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Thanks for the responses. It was working partially today, but i know its only a matter of time before it completely fails. No biggie...I'm sure it will be a learning experience getting it out!
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 10:13 PM
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In most cases the odometer will fail and the speedo will continue to work. This is just the opposite of what you described. What causes this is a failure in the first worm magnet bushing. The first worm and magnet will kick out and eat up the first and second drive worm gears that drive the odometer.

In your case, are you sure the needle is not dragging on the face somewhere.

The speedo needle is attached to the speed cup by friction but if the needle were to drag the face ever so slightly it will cause it to not read properly.

The odometer, and the trip odometer both drive off the first worm so this part has to be working properly for it to turn miles over. Something is interferring with the speed cup and that's very unusual.


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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 07:48 PM
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Where to have a speedometer 1979 rebulit?
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 11:19 PM
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Default Sticky Speedo ( not the swim suit)

I have the same problem. Sometime it works and sometime it doesn't. There are times it catches up to the correct and there are times it stays at 10MPH.

I just hate taking the dash apart to get it fixed.
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Old Jan 6, 2011 | 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 77BlueL82
I have the same problem. Sometime it works and sometime it doesn't. There are times it catches up to the correct and there are times it stays at 10MPH.

I just hate taking the dash apart to get it fixed.
I know.. it's a real pain...
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Old Jan 6, 2011 | 11:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 79VETTE...
Where to have a speedometer 1979 rebulit?
I can fix it.. but what is wrong with it.. the 78-82 style speedometer went to a plastic first worm bushing and rarely fail.

On the good side, getting yours out is a snap...

Willcox
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 11:50 AM
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I rebuild my gauges at "Corvette Clocks by Roger" and also he made for me some special custom request.
Avner
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 07:21 PM
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Wilcox, I would like to have the speedo read higher numerically on my 81, is that something you can do? I have the speedo with a top speed of 85. I would like to have it read 120 or 160???????????
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