Removal of speedo- and tachometer...

JohnnyV · April 3, 2005

Hey everybody - I really do need your help!

Spring is arriving and road is warming, but my MG ain't yet ready to rock... Some modifications have been made but the last touch is missing. Please, help me with the next topics! :bier:

1. How can the speedo- and tachometers of the V11 Sport (ym. -03) be remowed? I loosened the screws behind the meters and took the plastic cover away. Next, I detached the electrical connection of the tachometer and pulled the bulbholders off. Now, I had the tachometer removed - that's fine! :grin:

But how about with the speedometer? The speedo cable and the buldholders were easily removed, but how on earth can the pin and the shaft of the tripmeter be removed? If they are still on place the speedo won't come off! Can anybody help me? Even Richardson's Guzziology doesn't tell this trick.

2. Ok, let's imagine that with your invaluable help (Thanks in advance!) I have now removed both the speedo- and tachometers. However, my tachometer's lens is pretty scratched - this is the original reason why I started the job. The scratches on the lens are pretty surprising, since the part is nearly new - at the end of last season I got a new meter (still under warranty...) from my local MG dealer. :angry:

Thus, I want to change the lenses, preferably to glass ones. How do the lenses come off? Has anyone experince on this topic?

3. And finally, the most embarrassing thing... :notworthy: When I was removing the electrical connections from the speedo, a bulb dropped inside the meter (doh...). Ok, Richardson warns that the bulbholders are flimsy, but I should have been more careful.

What goes around, comes around... If I can't remove the speedo, I can't get the dropped bulb from the inside of the meter... How is it possible that a good intention - to change the scratched lens to a new one - can cause such a problem!

I hope someone can help me with these questions or I have to change the oils to my old Japanese steed. And that would be a shame! :mg:

WBW,

Johnny V

April 3, 2005

Johnny, the odometer reset is reverse-threaded. Don't lose the knob. Evidently they're as scarce as hen's teeth... Per Richardson, the bulb holders are a bit of a joke. I replaced them with more robust items that I fabbed up myself.

Now, when it comes to replacing your lenses, prepare to have your patience tested. You're tackling something not meant for the faint of heart. It's very easy to break the new lens during re-assembly (ask me how I know). <_< I suggest prepare by getting an assortment of knives and screwdrivers out on a good work surface in advance, and TAKE YOUR TIME. You'll be prying the lip of the metal bezel open slowly and CAREFULLY, a little at a time, going round and round many passes, until you have enough clearance to pull it off. This brings new meaning to the word, "tedious", but it can be done. With a new glass (I had 2 tempered replacements ready in advance of my tach repair made locally & used 'em both), the bezel can be bent back on re-assembly - again using great care and patience - with a perfect result. I suggest re-painting the needles when you're in there with a paint that's known to be UV resistant. The stock ones fade to pink fairly quickly. Oh - and get the glass and dial faces as clean as you can, because any smudges or oils from your fingers will be sure to show up only after you install 'em. :homer: