Car
Speedos
All
Japanese cars are imported in to the UK have their speed gauges
calibrated to read KPH. Our speedo faces are quality manufactured
replacements that match the original but they have been calibrated
to read MPH.
Our
speedo faces are made using heat treated poly carbonate plastic,
this prevents them warping with the heat of the bulbs. All
dials are printed by hand by using the silk screen printing
method.
The
faces can be replaced in about an hour. The job is relatively
easy to do and all it requires is a little patience and in
the most cases a set of screwdrivers, a hairdryer and a pair
of spoons! If you feel at all unsure we recommend that you
get some one who is!
Remember
vehicle manufacturers make alterations and design changes
during the production run of a vehicle. No liability can be
accepted for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors in,
or omissions from, the information given.
Removing
the Instrument Cluster
Removal
of the instrument cluster is usually the hardest part of the
job as there are often hidden screws to locate.
Here
are some tips that we have found from looking over the Internet:
MR2
Pajero
Surf
Some
tips to be aware of
MX5
has two screws hidden behind the air vents
L200 and Celica have screws hidden behind blanking plates
Civic has one hidden behind the hazard switch.
Finding
the Zero point
Once
you have the instruments removed the any plastic panels or
lenses will have to be separated from their base. If the speedo
is electronic, you must check where the needle rests when
the car is not moving. This is called the zero setting and
generally it is a about 3mm below where the stop pin is. To
find it start the unit by putting the ignition on. Now very
gently ease the needle over the stop pin. Now release it and
see where it rests. Put a little mark wherever it settles.
You will need this later.
Once
you have marked the zero point you should then switch off
and disconnect the battery before going any
further! This is very very important. Do not ignore it
as you could trigger such events an airbag inflation!
Removing
the Needle
Take
the instrument cluster and place it on a bench. Daft though
it sounds this job should only be done if the panel is warm.
The general advise is to use a hairdryer.
Bongo,
Prelude, Amazon, Pulsar and Skyline (in fact all Nissan vehicles)
have notoriously difficult needles to remove. If this proves
to be the case, take the cluster whole an put it next to a
radiator for 3 to 4 hours to warm up properly.
REMEMBER
IF IN DOUBT USE A PROFESSIONAL!
Alternatively
you can always use one of our electronic
converters. These do not require you to remove the face.
Impatience can cause irrepairable damage to speedo face and
its inner workings.
Now
cover the face with some kitchen paper to protect the existing
dial. Now take two spoons from your kithcen drawer. Slide
them underneath the needle and gentlly prise the needle away
from its spindle. Be very careful doing this, you must do
this without pulling out the shaft. If the shaft comes out
it will almost certainly ruin the speedo.
Taking
off the old face and replacing the end stops
Remove
the old face. At this stage you can use a knife to carefully
remove the end stop and insert it into the replacement face.
Changing
the face
You
can now install the new dials - they are held on with a little
double sided tape or some glue. Do not at this stage replace
the needle.
Putting
it all back together again
Now
it is time to take the panel back to the car taking extra
special not to short it against anything. Re-connect the battery
and switch on (this sets the shafts to their normal positions).
Put the needle back orientated to the zero point you marked
earlier. Take the stop pin you have removed and with a dab
of household glue replace it into the new face.
Now
reassemble the panel and the jobs done.
This
might all sound complicated but it is easy when you do the
job.
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