Hi Guys My speedometer quit working, the odometer is still working, it still registers the correct distance but my mile per hour needle only goes up to around 30 mph tops . Does anyone have any ideas on this ? I think the cable would be good because of the odometer is still working,I check it thru a measured distance.

Thanks Guys , Ralph Glover 27' Barth P30

Ralph, it sounds to me that these older Barths are kinda of like most of the guys on here, me included. Just showing its age. Grind up some Viagra and mix it with a good lubricant and apply it to the speedometer cable. That will get the neddle up.
Just trying to inject some humor here - don't take offense.

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Barth Wannabe
Nick and Glo

I would agree that the cable is turning OK if the odometer is working. However, lubing the cable is always a good idea.

The speedo consists of a rotating magnet attached to the cable and a an aluminum cup or disc very near it which is attached to the needle. In effect, it is a magnetic slip clutch. The needle has a spring that returns it to zero, and a the rotating magnet tries to rotate the needle(cup or disc) up from zero. The faster the magnet spins, the higher the mph reading on the speedo. These things are very sensitive to friction and even needle weight(don't ask). It is possible that excessive friction is holding the needle back a little. The needle should move if you blow on it lightly. I would try a little cleaning and a very light lube on the speedo needle pivots.

It has taken all my will power to resist the temptation to continue with the Viagra jokes.

[This message has been edited by bill h (edited April 13, 2004).]

Had a similar situation last November when we bought THE TOY. Resolved the bouncing and slipping needle problem by replacing the speedometer and the cable.........carl

THE TOY 1988 33'Regal SE Coach #3448

The day we bought our '90 33' Regal SE, the speedo quit. Yuma, AZ parts houses told me the item was out of production. The GM truck dealer could get me one in several weeks for $235.00. J.C. Whitney had one for $54.95, on back order until March. Bought an ISSPRO speedo from a company in Portland, OR, $102.75 plus shipping. I have since found the ISSPRO speedo at a discount through a Google search.

If you're a stickler for originality, go to your GM truck parts dealer. If you want something that fits the original hole, and works, but doesn't match the other instruments perfectly, use a cheaper option.

When my speedo broke down, it also broke the plastic cable end at the speedo. Bought a generic cable replacement, cracked the plastic end off the original cable, swaged on the generic metal end with the furnished tool, lubed the cable, put it back together, and it works fine.

I believe there are also companies that repair speedometers, but my original has a full plastic housing cemented together. Didn't look like it was amenable to repair.

Thanks Guys for the info I'll check it out now see what I can do to fix problem.
Nick I would try your idea with the viagra and oil but this would only be a short term fix probably last an hour or so then I would have to do it all over again.

THANKS MUCH RALPH

If you end up needing a new speedometer, this place might have it http://www.custominstrumentpanels.com/automoti.htm
I just bought a new water temp gauge from them to match the Teleflex gauge that I took out. They are about the same price as Summit or Jeg's for Autometer/VDO. IMHO Autometer makes the best gauges that money can buy.

This company's speedo. #53220 @ $136.95, and tach. #54295 @ $113.46 appear to be direct replacements for the instruments in my '90 Regal. Too bad I didn't find this co. when I needed them last Jan.

I have been using the JC Whitney round speedo for 3 years or so, and it works fine. I particularly like the resettable trip odometer, as I seem to get lost a little less often if I use it.