Speedometer repair and something extra

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Aug 7, 2006 | 02:14 AM

51PanelMan

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From: San Jose, CA

Speedometer repair and something extra

This morning I was able to reset two out of the three '51/'52 odometers to all zeros in no time. I've done a 48-50 odometer before as practice. I still have another 51/52 odometer to reset.

I want to restore them, but don't know if the decals for the speedometer are available. Also, one of the three odometers is different than the other two. The numbers are decals and have started to flake off. Additionally, does anyone know the original color of the speedometer face?

Also, took a break today from working around the house and my old trucks. My good friend came over in his 05 Mazda RX8 and wanted me to install some aftermarket grills.

Here's the before:

Here's approximately six hours after:

I even went as far as adding chrome acorn nuts to the center grill and fabricated the attachment from different bolts and washers. The original instructions called for attachment with black zip ties.

Ilya

Aug 7, 2006 | 05:22 PM

barry

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From: Connecticut

Ford had 3 different makers of the speedo heads. One was Stewart-Warner, another is King-Seeley, and a third that I can't remember. 2 have small differences, the third is completely different.
They make speedo decals for the 48-50 thru LMC and I'm not sure if they offer them for the 51-52 series. The color is considered Argent, but Ford never offered it . They do still make an Argent in a spray can, but it's for step bumpers and it's a shade too dark.

Barry

50 F-1

Aug 8, 2006 | 11:00 AM

bobbytnm

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From: Rio Rancho, NM

Some on here redid their instruments by hand and did a super job at it. I think its been about 6 months or so, I think the truck was a 1960. He did an amazing job repainting the faces adn installing the decals for the numbers. I can't remember where he got the numbers from. You might be able to find it in a search on here.

Do a search on the internet also, there are several companies that restore old gauges and retrofit new 12V gauges into old housings, etc.

Bobby

Aug 9, 2006 | 10:43 AM

51ford fan

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From: Seattle WA.

As I recall there is a business in Riverside California that can redo them, but I can't remember the name right now.

Aug 9, 2006 | 01:17 PM

GreatNorthWoods

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51ford fan

As I recall there is a business in Riverside California that can redo them, but I can't remember the name right now.

Would that be United Speedometer?

Vern

Aug 10, 2006 | 09:55 AM

Jet Jock

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From: Limestone, TN

51 PM

If you need a 4th one let me know, I got an extra

Aug 10, 2006 | 12:12 PM

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

If you are not going for restoration purity, I have a vinyl cutter and can custom cut almost any style/color/size of numbers you'd like. They won't be decals, but stick on vinyl. Email or PM me for details if interested.
Just noticed the 10, 80, 90 are written backwards! I understand the designer's reasoning, but it still looks weird!