Speedometer Woes

I've had several speedometer heads over the years, when the 1st one died I had about 185000 miles on it. The replacement was not exact, because by then the aftermarket had decided to over look the 78/79 model year.

So I got the 0-85 model, tore it apart, removed the needle changed the face plate, put if back together and it lasted 7582 miles, started chirping, needle bouncing. So I did it again, this time being extremely delicate, because I assumed it was the needle being pushed back on too hard..... don't know, But the next one lasted 15000 miles and died on my last trip to Ca. It started clanging and banging, I actually had to pull off the interstate, and disconnect the cable, I was worried it would damage the worm gear in the transfer case. So what should I do?
I can get this for $500 !!!


Or this for $141. I would take one of the other speedometer cases, remove the odometer portion, cut a 3.34"hole in the upper portion, insert the head put it back together and have something like this.

of course the picture below would be in the white circle


Or just get this one leave it alone and put it in for $134


$500 for a speedometer ..... It's GPS and other functions are programmable, but still

What to do, What to do....
Comments? Suggestions?
Jay

 

My speedo crapped the bed at 20,000 miles. I found one on Ebay and swapped it in.. Like less than $100 as I recall. These days I don't even use the speedo cause I added larger tires and re-geared.. Thing is never right. If I am concerned abpout spped I use an app on my phone and place it in the window ledge where I can see it. The one I use is called CarHome or something like that

Best Speedometer apps for Android - TheTechGears

 

this one . why get LED readout

 

The aftermarket replacement speedos are pretty much garbage. If you can find a used original, you might be better off. The old ones were made by Stewart Warner.
-Donny

 

I have had old (non-jeep) speedometers rebuilt very sucessfully by a specialist. Check in Hemmings ads.

 

I like the GPS speedos, but cannot afford one. The phone app is what I need to do! Speedo aint right anyway.

 

I think you should start a conversation with Daryl here on ECJ5. He has been buying and selling parts and JEEPS for a long time and might have just what you need. WCP

 

That's true, and I pretty much drive by tach, the white card lists RPM = MPH.


The only reason to fix it is the odometer. I put in a 22 Gal tank in 1999 and modified the original sending unit, i.e. cut the arm and extended it. and it worked for over a decade. When it failed, I found out that like many other things made for Jeeps, the 22 gal sending unit was unavailable. So I stuck in a 15 gal unit. A full tank reads 3/4 full and empty means there is 9 to 12 Gal remaining. So I use the odometer, fill the tank, add 180 to reading and that is when I need to get gas again. I have another style gas gauge, I've installed the meter,(it's to the left of the shifter) but I need to drop the tank to modify and install the sending unit. Fixing the dash is easier.
There is also a thread about things we regret, ..... I have, over the years, disposed of most of the original things as they broke, not thinking the aftermarket stuff would turn into junk. So I don't have the original speedometer head, I have the backing plate and housing and the gauges, but the odometer is gone.

Maybe, I'll get the cheaper gps one for now. And when I do the restoration, in 3 to 4 years ....... oh..... the other Gps mfg will be out of business, because they were charging so much nobody bought any.........

Jay

 

The one I bought on Ebay was out of a Jeep. I don't see any today.. Might try a junk yard

 

Most of the junk yards in western Pa are gone, or if they have survived, are full of euro trash. In this area and eastern ohio any Cj that show up, is gone. Too many clubs in this area.

There are also those "Online" junk yards. some of their websites work, most don't, still might go and try.

Jay