Removing speedo needle

Previously robert_tuck wrote:

Has to be levered off with 2 screwdrivers twisted close to spindle, use card to protect face, and cloth over to catch flying needle, can also push stop pin down to allow needle to cross into natural position below stop to allow replacement in correct position. (from one of my books! ,not tried it myself ).

Thanks Robert. I actually tried earlier to pry it off with 2 spoons Under the rim (cut a card to protect the face, etc.). Iwas applying considerable pressure and feared breaking it. I'll have another look, but may default to a specialist.

Previously Jonathan Soons wrote:

That speedo is now quite valuable. I would take it to one of the experienced rebuilders for this little job.

Thanks Jonathan. Indeed, this may be the best advice. Please let me know if you have someone that you could recommend.I did seea list under the Services/Instruments section of the website.

Previously richard_payne wrote:

Travis, your needle looks to have been modified. Has it been soldered on ? It should just be a light press fit.

I have seen a special tool which comprised a block with a fork machined below and a screw thread which extracts the needle as the screw pulls down on the spindle but the tool which Smiths used to supply was simply a thin piece of mild steel folded at 90? with a narrow slot in the short turned end.

It is important not to lever using the face / dial and only lift vertically or the face will be damaged or the spindle bent.

Richard, thanks for the advice. I fear you may be correct. I had scraped the white paint off the needle to see what was underneath. I do not see any screw or pin that would allow it to release. I applied considerablepressure with the spoon removal technique; this may mean it has been soldered. Time for a specialist to have a look at it.

Previously steven lewis wrote:

Previously travis_randolph wrote:

Would anyonehave advice on how to remove the indicator needle on my Smith speedometer? I have attached a photo, which shows there is no screw or other indication on how it is fitted. With other Smith clocks, there has been a small screw which facilitates easy removal. On thisone, I have tried to apply light pressure, soft heat, etc. with no success. Before resorting to speciality shop,I thought I would inquire in this forum.

I need to replace the dial shown in miles with klm to enable the bike's registration in Switzerland.

Many thanks for your help.

Travis

Hi Travis, I do a lot of (chronometric) speedo and tacho repairs, and whilst most will come off with 2 small screw drivers / spoons etc, you risk breaking the 2 top screw on the movement if you apply to much pressure. In this case I remove the 2 screw on the back of the speedo core, the dial screws and remove the movement with dial and needle attached. Then I use a small pair of needle pliers behind the dial and between the movement to remove the needle. If you like I can take a picture and post it for everyone to see. it works a treat and will not damage any parts. Cheers Steve

Steve, just re-read your message. I will have a look at the back. However, it would be great to see a picture if you had one.To be honest, I was trying to avoid upsetting the movement. thanks.

Previously steven lewis wrote:

Previously travis_randolph wrote:

Previously steven lewis wrote:

Previously travis_randolph wrote:

Would anyonehave advice on how to remove the indicator needle on my Smith speedometer? I have attached a photo, which shows there is no screw or other indication on how it is fitted. With other Smith clocks, there has been a small screw which facilitates easy removal. On thisone, I have tried to apply light pressure, soft heat, etc. with no success. Before resorting to speciality shop,I thought I would inquire in this forum.

I need to replace the dial shown in miles with klm to enable the bike's registration in Switzerland.

Many thanks for your help.

Travis

Hi Travis, I do a lot of (chronometric) speedo and tacho repairs, and whilst most will come off with 2 small screw drivers / spoons etc, you risk breaking the 2 top screw on the movement if you apply to much pressure. In this case I remove the 2 screw on the back of the speedo core, the dial screws and remove the movement with dial and needle attached. Then I use a small pair of needle pliers behind the dial and between the movement to remove the needle. If you like I can take a picture and post it for everyone to see. it works a treat and will not damage any parts. Cheers Steve

Steve, just re-read your message. I will have a look at the back. However, it would be great to see a picture if you had one.To be honest, I was trying to avoid upsetting the movement. thanks.

Hi Travis, No problems. I will take some pictures later today (Aust Time) and post them for you. I had a speedo arrive yesterday that needed this proceedure to remove the needle. Removing the movement is not going to disturb and of the setup...and i am happy to help you through the process...Steve

Steve, I need to confess.I passed by a speciality shop yesterday and had it quickly fixed. It seems it willwork fine, but I still need to install on the bike. He used a special tool to pull the needle and visibily was willing to apply more pressure than I dared with the spoon trick. I wanted to inform you before you went through the hassle of the posting photos, etc. Although I would still be curious for mynext speedofix as getting at theneedle from the back sounds tricky, but potentially safer. Again, thanks for your response & offer.