Speedometer

If you've read my previous posts you'll note that I've recently done some pretty major repairs on my car. During this process I had the dashboard off and I went through some of the problems in the dash. I'm working on a series of posts to write up all of the different repairs and upgrades I've done in the "cockpit". Today I'll be writing about the Speedometer.

During my repair process I decided to rewire the speakers and radio, unfortunately this required me removing the dashboard. Fortunately this provided a perfect opportunity to partially rebuild the speedometer. Like many of the parts on my car the speedometer has had issues since I've bought it. The lights on it were finicky, When driving at night the light would flicker on and off, They were also not very bright. The second problem was the odometer not working.

So I pulled it out and pulled it apart. I replaced several bulbs and repaired the bulb socket that kept flickering. A very easy repair actually. While I was at it I put reflective tape on the inside, this is a great suggestion I read about online to help brighten your speedometer at night. I would definitely recommend it!

The main problem with odometers in old beetles is a plastic gear that tends to break. You can buy brass replacements for this part. On my gear I realized the break wasn't bad and I was able to glue it with some simple super glue. Very easy fix, and now my odometer works perfectly!

While it was out I took the opportunity to repaint the trim ring. I like it  when the trim ring isn't just plain black but is silver so I repainted it. Even something as small as that has really freshened up the dash board.

I'm glad I took the time to do a partial speedometer rebuild, It makes my car that little bit better, and that little bit more mine. My car I think will continually be an ongoing process. But I really love doing these little repairs, putting my car back to sorts. Making sure its put back together right!