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TR2/3/3A Speedometer

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bobhustead said:
My speedometer has gone insane. Does anyone know a good repair shop for TR original speedos?
Thanks,
Bob Hustead
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A sticky cable can cause problems as well. If that's not the issue, Nisongers in New Rochelle NY is the place to go if you need a rebuild. They have all the black magic original calibration equipment.

nisonger.com
 
As you are also in NC it is worth calling Nichols Speedometer in Greensboro. I do my own gauge work but before I did, I used Nichols.

There are other places in addition to Nisonger. Other commonly referenced Smiths repair shops include Mo-Ma in NM, Palo Alto Speedometer in CA, and APT in MN.
 
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I literally just got my rebuilt speedo back from Nisonger today. Looks better than new, can't wait to install this weekend. I also had them send me an extra chrome bezel which I will install on the tach.

Basically the speedo had seized and broke the angle drive coming out of the tranny

Bob
 
Hi Bob,

I`m just curious as I`ve never had a gauge re-built; What was the cost for your Speedo?

Thanx, Russ
 
$175 for the guage rebuild + $25 each for the chrome bezels + $4 each for two new dashboard gaskets. With shipping and handling it was about $255 total. I mailed it to them April 1 and got it back May 12. So they are running about a 5.5 week backlog right now.

Bob
 
Hey Doug, I supposedly had my speedometer calibrated. At least that is what the shop charged me for, but it is 20% low. I read an article about using magnets to change the calibration, is this something I should tackle or send it off?

Jerry
TR3A
 
I have followed the methods in the PDF article by Anthony Rhodes and glued additional magnets to the inside of the speedometer to correct its calibration. It does work. However, this spring, CJD (a.k.a. John) ran a lengthy thread on gauge restoration. A lot of his thread involved cosmetic work but about half way through the thread he starts tackling the calibration issue. He had a very different method than the Rhodes article and if you want to try this yourself I suggest reading the Rhodes PDF and reviewing the information in John's thread. The next time I am dealing with a calibration issue I am seriously considering trying John's method.

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf/showthread.php?94885-Instrument-Faces

https://www.szott.com/lotusinfo/Smith-jaeger_speedo_repair.pdf
 
dklawson said:
As you are also in NC it is worth calling Nichols Speedometer in Greensboro. I do my own gauge work but before I did, I used Nichols.

There are other places in addition to Nisonger. Other commonly referenced Smiths repair shops include Mo-Ma in NM, Palo Alto Speedometer in CA, and APT in MN.
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I used the Palo Alto shop for a couple of rebuilds a few years ago. First one I sent in was great. Then I sent in several others and I am guessing that it must have changed ownership. I expected them to recalibrate the speedo ( which they had done on the first one) to go with a rear axle ratio change ( 3.7 to 3.45). The returned speedo after full rebuilding was way off. I finally got a mesage back from them that they did not have the parts to change the ratio ( no refund offered). Nisongers did the job very accurately and quickly-- and reasonable rates.
Charley
 
Thanks everybody. I decided to go with Nisonger. Quote is 175 for complete rebuuild unless some exotic major part is required.
Bob
 
FYI, I read the above referenced threads. Extremely well documented - unbelievable as a matter of fact. I got so far as cracking open the case, removing the rear drive and cleaning but, once it became apparent I had to remove the number wheels for the odo and trip meter, I realized it was most likely beyond my capability and patience. Chances were better than not that I would cause some irreparable harm. Thus, my decision to send it off to the experts. Never regretted it.

Bob
 
Thanks for the information about Palo Alto. They should have told you up front and before starting work that they could not complete the work you asked them to perform.
 
When I was young(er), every town large enough to have two service stations would have a speedo repair shop. Notice I say "service" stations instead of "gas" stations. Take your speedo in and they'd have it done while you wait. I know I'm old when there are only 4 speedo shops left in the country. It's true, "the only constant is change".
 
dklawson said:
Thanks for the information about Palo Alto. They should have told you up front and before starting work that they could not complete the work you asked them to perform.
Click to expand...

It was even more frustrating that they were so callous about the fact that I should have been happy with what I got from them. And of course it was not what I had ordered and paid for. And of course was not right. I would hope that they are doing a better job now. But I am not willing to try them again.
I guess that most of us only do one speedo in a lifetime. But in my case I have had three done plus a fourth one that belonged to a friend.
Charley
Charley
 
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