Date:         Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:58:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Hughes <keithahughes@QWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: another speedometer cable question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

>Date:    Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:36:09 -0800
>From:    Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
>Subject: another speedometer cable question
>
>Hi folks:
>
><snip>
>
>There was mention of one person having problems with the tabs on the instrument cluster being broken, which then allow the whole cluster to vibrate and that cause the problem in his case, but the tabs on my instrument cluster are in good shape. However, the plastic where the four screws of the speedometer go into the instrument cluster are broken on three out of the four corners on mine. I took some hot glue and glued the speedometer back onto the instrument cluster at the center points. It seems tight to me, although at high speeds perhaps it is vibrating. I'm kind of reluctant to take anything like JB Weld, as if I ever need to replace the speedometer I'll never get it off there.
>
>
>
Hi Troy,

Sounds like you're talking about my post.  When I said the 'tabs' were
broken, I should have said the mounting wells (i.e. screw holes) were
cracked and broken.  This is where the failures typically occur.  Hot
glue is probably not going to cut it, IME.  I repaired mine with JB
Weld.  I pulled the housing out and remove the speedo from its mount.  I
used a mesh tape (used for drywall repair) and JBWeld to build up the
corners, both inside (where the speedo goes) and out.  After hardening
overnight, I used a dremel and a sanding block to fair the surface so
the speedo would sit flush, and to route out a 'shelf' on the inside so
the ridge on the speedo face would fit.  Drilled pilot holes for the
screws and voila', no more problems.  It still bounces a tiny bit
between 50 and 60, but pretty stabile and no noise.  Before, the noise
was so bad I disconnected the cable 'cause it was simply unbearable.

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)