How difficult is it to switch odometers?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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How difficult is it to switch odometers?
I want to swap a 140 mph 1979 speedo into my 1980. I would like to put my original odometer/trip odometer into the replacement speedometer. Is it easy to swap the odometer over?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Asking the DMV anything is never a good idea. 
Most states don't care about how accurate the mileage is on a car that old and since the speedos aren't sealed, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it- Especially since you want to keep the actual mileage anyway.
The odometer drum on most speedos come out fairly easily if you wanted to put your old drum into the new speedo head.
The only thing you need to do (carefully!) is to remove the pointer and the face plate (dial) to get at it.
Most states don't care about how accurate the mileage is on a car that old and since the speedos aren't sealed, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it- Especially since you want to keep the actual mileage anyway.
The odometer drum on most speedos come out fairly easily if you wanted to put your old drum into the new speedo head.
The only thing you need to do (carefully!) is to remove the pointer and the face plate (dial) to get at it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 535
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I was thinking that by putting the "new" odometer on my car I might be breaking the rules but if I swapped in the original odometer I would be avoiding that problem. NY is a PITA about everything and at the yearly inspection the mileage on the odometer has to be entered into the inspection machine by the repair shop. Don't want to send up any red flags at inspection time.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
I was thinking that by putting the "new" odometer on my car I might be breaking the rules but if I swapped in the original odometer I would be avoiding that problem. NY is a PITA about everything and at the yearly inspection the mileage on the odometer has to be entered into the inspection machine by the repair shop. Don't want to send up any red flags at inspection time.
Nothing has changed and unless they take pictures of your speedometer every year, they wouldn't have a clue that you did anything.
I understand your concerns about being legal and you need to do what you need to do-
I'm just saying that involving the DMV with a non-issue opens up a can of worms you don't want to get involved in.
I suspect if they have you follow the "letter of the law" this change will need to be done by a certified shop and all sorts of paperwork will need to be provided.
It's your money and your call.
Last edited by ezobens; Oct 22, 2014 at 03:22 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 257
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Asking the DMV anything is never a good idea.
Most states don't care about how accurate the mileage is on a car that old and since the speedos aren't sealed, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it- Especially since you want to keep the actual mileage anyway.
The odometer drum on most speedos come out fairly easily if you wanted to put your old drum into the new speedo head.
The only thing you need to do (carefully!) is to remove the pointer and the face plate (dial) to get at it.
Most states don't care about how accurate the mileage is on a car that old and since the speedos aren't sealed, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it- Especially since you want to keep the actual mileage anyway.
The odometer drum on most speedos come out fairly easily if you wanted to put your old drum into the new speedo head.
The only thing you need to do (carefully!) is to remove the pointer and the face plate (dial) to get at it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Understood-
And that is why I'm only suggesting options to save the op some grief. These laws are intended to prevent shady used car dealers from rolling back the odometer and selling the car with a stated mileage that is less than actual.
The op wants to keep the original mileage, not to do anything unethical.
As well all know (?), the government loves to make issues out of non issues on a regular basis and that stated procedure often overrules common sense.
Just sayin'
And that is why I'm only suggesting options to save the op some grief. These laws are intended to prevent shady used car dealers from rolling back the odometer and selling the car with a stated mileage that is less than actual.
The op wants to keep the original mileage, not to do anything unethical.
As well all know (?), the government loves to make issues out of non issues on a regular basis and that stated procedure often overrules common sense.
Just sayin'
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Check your registration/title. Mine (Texas) says "odometer exempt", with the explanation that it is "beyond mechanical limits". The status is automatic for any car once they reach a certain age.
Setting a specific reading on the new odo is fairly simple. You remove the drum from the speedo head (there's a tiny clip holding the shaft). Once it is out you just spin the individual drums until it reads what you want it to.
I did this on mine when I swapped to a new speedo.
Setting a specific reading on the new odo is fairly simple. You remove the drum from the speedo head (there's a tiny clip holding the shaft). Once it is out you just spin the individual drums until it reads what you want it to.
I did this on mine when I swapped to a new speedo.