Date:         Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:41:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Geo <ahwahneevw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Geo <ahwahneevw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      1984 Speedos
Comments: To: Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On 4/13/10, Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> not to hijack this engine post,,,,,,,but if anyone has fixed an 84 speedo or
> re-calibrated one let me you know.  I have one that is horribly off and was
> hoping to not have to replace it.

Hi Jack,

I think the '84s were factory-designed to be way off.

My understanding is that around 1983 there was a federal requirement
that speedos not indicate less than actual speed.  Some manufactures
(including VW) made double-darn sure that would not happen by building
in a huge error on the high side.

There is even a formula in the Bentley (p 90.30) for the 84 model year
to compute your actual speed based on what the instrument says.
Pretty handy... if you happen to have a calculator in hand while you
drive.

Personally, I just made a little conversion chart adhered to a
'business card magnet' that is on the dash so I can check my speed
when needed.

Geo