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500T Speedo

Submitted by david_sproule on Fri, 11/01/2019
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Hello All,

What is the correct specification for the speedometer on a 1950 500T? I know it has to be a chronometric one, and I know which style of Smiths logo was in use that year, but that's all. Was it the 80 MPH version or the 120 MPH version (not sure how many riders would have needed anything over 80 on this model, but...)? And did it feature a trip meter?

I've attached a couple of photos of the bike FYI

David S

Attachments
500T 1.JPG
500T 2.JPG

Submitted by rod_thompson on Sun, 13/01/2019

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Here is a photo of the speedo on my 1950 500T The part number matches that on the list which Michael posted. It was quite dark in the shed when I took the photo so I did not notice how dirty the glass is. It is raining so I am not going back out to clean the glass and take another photo.

Rod

Attachments
P1010053.JPG

Thanks Michael. I was able to dig up a copy of the same list, but I don't happen to have a speedo with that particular number, and the Smiths numbers (as far as I know) don't give a lot of clues on the specification (perhaps the "L" suffix indicates a lighted model?). A photo of a speedo with that number would help.

DS

Thanks Rod, your photo is exactly what I needed! As you say, it confirms that S467/33/L (from the previous post) is the correct part number and for the benefit of others, that the same spec continued for pretty much the entire life of the 500T. It also answers my questions regarding the trip meter and the 80 mph range. I can even just make out the "1500", which indicates the ratio required: with that I can pick a suitable substitute assuming I may not be lucky enough to find an example of the original-spec item. My 500T came to me fitted with a 120 mph speedo, which I've always thought must have been a later replacement.

Submitted by peter_palmer on Fri, 01/03/2019

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David, my 500t is currently fitted wit the Smiths D type speedo.  I doi have a chrometric original but no clue as to what the nounting braket/housing looks like.  Could you post a photo of yours please?

Pete

Peter,

Rod Thompsons photo, posted on 13th Jan is the correct set up.

All the parts, ie. the spun aluminium cup, the centre mount bracket and the rubber grommet are all available from Ken McIntosh in New Zealand (manxnorton.co.nz).

I know this because I have a set on back order. If a few more people place orders for the cup he will get them made.

The other thing to bear in mind is that all the control gear, levers, clocks etc are to Manx specification and Ken makes it all.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Alan

 

Submitted by peter_palmer on Fri, 08/03/2019

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Thanks Alan, parts all on order with Ken

Pete

Submitted by alan_whelan on Tue, 12/03/2019

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Well, what a can of worms!

I’ve just checked my speedo and it’s an S608/l from a B31!

So I called the chap at www.chronometrics.co.uk. I am dropping it off with him in Nottingham on Thursday.

£125 for a complete overhaul, including new dial and built to correct spec ie. 467/33/L

Also with corrected gearing from 1600 rpm to 1500 rpm.

I was told today, they can rebuild any 3” chrono to any spec you require.

 


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