Date:         Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:02:36 -0700
Reply-To:     Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1984 Speedos
Comments: To: Geo <ahwahneevw@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <u2s32db11c91004131641q4d1a33bas1d54181bc8b24f73@mail.gmail.com>
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On 4/13/2010 4:41 PM Geo wrote:

> 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.

Well, I'll be darned. I've always assumed my 84's speedo read high because
it was out of adjustment or something. Observation while driving led me to
the conclusion that it was reading about 12% high and did the math in my
head accordingly. That section on p. 90.30, which I never noticed (not
being that interested in that chapter), seems to be the explanation. I
like the refrigerator magnet conversion chart idea.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Bend, OR
KG6RCR