Smiths Speedometer Rebuild

[Geezer]

my 79 T140’s speedo is going wonky. Actually, the trip meter and the odometer. The speed is accurat to + - 5 MPH, but I’d like to be able to record the mileage accurately. Who can rebuild and calibrate my speedo? And to the best of my knowledge, my drive gear is stock at 1.25. I’d have to remove it to be absolutely positive though.

 

[Rudie]

Who can rebuild and calibrate my speedo?

Vintage British Cables gets lots of bouquets on other forums. No first hand experience for obvious reasons.

drive gear is stock at 1.25. I’d have to remove it to be absolutely positive though.

Smiths (on the right hand side of the rear wheel) or Veglia (left hand side of the wheel)? Veglia were not very good quality even when they were new.

 

[Geezer]

Vintage British Cables gets lots of bouquets on other forums. No first hand experience for obvious reasons.


Smiths (on the right hand side of the rear wheel) or Veglia (left hand side of the wheel)? Veglia were not very good quality even when they were new.

Smiths, right hand side. Thanks for the info!

 

[Twinpots]

When I bought my 1967 Bonneville the trip meter didn't work. With no fuel gauge this is a very helpful (important) feature. I was very lucky that within a 20 minute drive is a company called Lionel Otto who specialize in repairing any type of gauges, especially classic ones. Not cheap but they completely repaired my original Grey faced Smiths speedo. I also had them change it from reading in Km's to Miles to suit Australia. I did have to supply them with a non functioning "mph" speedo to make the change. I am sure you have someone more local but as I have used USA suppliers many times I see no reason you couldn't send your speedo to them here in Australia. They have a good reputation and I have been lucky to actually visit their workshop and see it first hand. My speedo is now spot on and super accurate. This is one job I could not attempt myself. Just removing the glass is a major headache as the chrome bevel has to be cut to remove it.

 

[Lordmac]

my 79 T140’s speedo is going wonky. Actually, the trip meter and the odometer. The speed is accurat to + - 5 MPH, but I’d like to be able to record the mileage accurately. Who can rebuild and calibrate my speedo? And to the best of my knowledge, my drive gear is stock at 1.25. I’d have to remove it to be absolutely positive though.

Smiths Cables - Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. They rebuild yours and or sell outright (as I understand). Not cheap, but what is anymore? See them on EBay at SmithsCables. Look pretty nice, ya-ast me.

 

[Rudie]

Vintage British Cables

... are in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada too.

 

[Lordmac]

... are in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada too.

What a coincidence!

I wonder, as I often do, why Smiths doesn't want to make tons of money manufacturing vintage motorcycle instruments (just like they used to do) instead of having people buying rebuilt and old used stuff online? Or,
better yet; why don't they make new-fangled digital instruments that look JUST LIKE the originals and for a fair price? Yeah, right . . .

 

[Rudie]

I wonder, as I often do, why Smiths doesn't want to make tons of money manufacturing vintage motorcycle instruments (just like they used to do) instead of having people buying rebuilt and old used stuff online?

From SMITHS GUIDES. :-

Smiths Aviation Division had become the main priority in the late 1970's
From the 1980's onwards Smiths Industries had successfully moved on into Avionics, Smiths being instrumental in the development of automated aircraft flying and landing controls, and finally in the 1980's the Aerospace division was extending its reach far into the jet age.

... I suspect Smiths make far more money making avionics?

better yet; why don't they make new-fangled digital instruments that look JUST LIKE the originals

Caerbont, almost certainly licensed by Smiths (because "SMITHS" is on the instrument faces, unlike the Far Eastern analogue gauges ...). However, their motorcycle gauges are devilish hard to find on the Caerbont website, easier to see them on this distributor's website; Caerbont also make the 75-77 speedometer and tachometer with the NVT logo.

But whether you consider the prices "fair" ...?

 

[Lordmac]

From SMITHS GUIDES. :-

... I suspect Smiths make far more money making avionics?


Caerbont, almost certainly licensed by Smiths (because "SMITHS" is on the instrument faces, unlike the Far Eastern analogue gauges ...). However, their motorcycle gauges are devilish hard to find on the Caerbont website, easier to see them on this distributor's website; Caerbont also make the 75-77 speedometer and tachometer with the NVT logo.

But whether you consider the prices "fair" ...?

Wow! Now, that is what I'm talkin about. And I'd say the prices are fair too. Very sharp looking products. I want some. Thanks Rudie, nice tip.

 

[B25bsaboy]

... are in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada too.

Totally agree, as this Mom & Pop shop puts out quality repairs! I have nothing but good things to say about Andy!