Speedo removal.

[hollychim]

Need to remove speedo for reconditioning, I`ve had the electrics checked and been told its definitely the speedo at fault. How difficult is it to remove speedo myself and how to go about it ?

[N7GTX]

You need to remove the top part of the dash that runs across the car. This is the fun bit and you have to be patient and your body flexible.
On some cars there are 3 nuts with penny washers (my early one only has 2) and there is one at each end. To locate them best use a mirror and shove it up at the sides from the footwells. The studs are bonded into the top part of the dash. Use a 10mm spanner or socket to undo them. The driver's side is harder as you need to get under the steering wheel, almost on your back then reach up to the outer corner to undo it.
If you have 3 fixings the third is accessed by unscrewing the map pocket - 2 cross head screws - and let it hang down. If there is anything else shoved in here then pull it out the way. Feel towards the centre of the dash - around 3-4 inches - you will find the last nut and penny washer, again 10mm spanner.
Lift the dash up, it may be stiff if not removed before and start at the passenger side and ease it up. If the driver's side is difficult to get off just park the dash and you can undo the 2 nuts that hold the speedo clamps. Note the wiring and lamp positions - take a pic on your phone through the windscreen - and job done.
The hardest part is simply locating the 3 nuts to start with.

[Steve_D]

If you get lucky someone will already have replaced the nuts with wingnuts.

If you are planning to send it to 'Speedy Cables' do be aware they are far from speedy. Mine has been with them since early April.

Steve

[ou sont les biscuits]

When you have located the nuts, it's worthwhile covering the area above and below where the studs are with gaffer tape as the studs are very long, and it's really easy to tear chunks out of the interior trim as you get the dash top off. I found that it's a good idea to have two people in the car to ease the dash off.

Also to get at the bolt on the drivers side, I found it easier to take the steering wheel off, as I'm a bit of a fat bugger and that gave me much more space to wriggle around.

Edited to add you can see the hole where the middle stud locates in this photo, just to the left of the heater control wheels.

Edited by ou sont les biscuits on Saturday 11th June 15:35

[Hoofa]

Also don't fit nuts , use wing nuts as it easier to get on and off in the future

[johnh8]

Better still don't put any nuts back as the bolts point in different directions it holds itself in and is so much easier to get out next time.

[hollychim]

Thanks for the advice and tips, will tackle it very soon !

[Bassfiendnoideawhathp]

johnh8 said:

Better still don't put any nuts back as the bolts point in different directions it holds itself in and is so much easier to get out next time.

+1 ... That's what I do.

Phil