Speedometer/Odometer gear repair

[Presley Foster]

I have a 66 roadster that is having an odometer problem. The speedometer works fine. The odometer does not work at all. I removed the speedometer and took it apart. The problem is the first gear behind the speedometer that drives the odometer mechanism. It is stripped.
Does anyone sell the gears/parts? I would prefer not to have to have the speedometer rebuilt as the rest of the unit works just fine. Only the one gear is a problem.

[Jack H.]

Re: Speedometer/Odometer gear repair

The damage you see is pretty much par for the course resulting from the tripometer reset cable drying out and 'sticking' (natural result of aging WITHOUT the owner/operator periodically 'exercising' the reset function). The drive gear didn't fully re-engage because the reset cable was 'stuck' and that resulted in gear teeth clashing.

You'll find some of the catalogs offer complete speedo 'head' assy's which is one way to effect repair. But, there are still Delco authorized speedometer repair shops around who actually HAVE inventory positions of long discontinued parts.

The shop I use in Denver (Deluxe Speedometer) typically turn-keys a speedo/tach overhaul (NO cosmetic refurbishment) for $45-80 in a couple of days when you walk-in or send in the speedo/tach. That cost includes a post-repair calibration run on their Delco-Remy test machine.

But, in addition to getting the speedo repaired, you need to address the tripometer reset cable. Get it freshly lubricated so it spins freely and the reset function (in/out) works properly with a 'crisp' return spring action. Then, once everything is fixed, remember to periodically exercise the trip reset function to keep the cable lubricated...

[Presley Foster]

Re: Speedometer/Odometer gear repair

It appears that the steel worm gear and the gear just behind the magnet need replacing. Does not appear to be something I can do. Looks very difficult to remove the gears from the frame. Looks like I will send the frame in to a shop.
Thanks for the info.