speedo glass removal

[ptooner]

Okay I've created a new problem trying to fix old ones.  I dropped my speedo on a soft surface but it knocked loose the chrome cap that is glued on the center of the pointer shaft.  I'm sure I can glue it back, but I am at a loss as to how to get the glass off the front.  I read in the tech section that someone pried the chrome ring loose from the back with a screwdriver.  Before I chance further damage is there some other method?  I am in a rush on this project as the car is going back together right now for a big show on Friday.
Thanks,
Gerry
1965 230SL

[enochbell]

There is no other method.  Just work carefully and prise up the bezel from the back, one small lift at a time, all the way around so that you don't deform the front of the bezel.  You can then re-crimp it once you have the new glass installed.  Also, if you want, you can get a new bezel from SLS.

Greg

[66andBlue]

My method is very similar to Greg's, except that I wedge a small screw driver into the first gap and leave it there before creating the next gap with another screw driver. Once the gap is about 1-2" wide I use another blade and press it along the opening. After about a quarter gap has been created the ring can be removed, one does not need to uncrimp the complete perimeter. Start at the bottom and then you will not see the traces of your work later on when the instrument is installed.

[garymand]

Good method.  one more point.  You are opening a sealed unit.  No dust or moisture has been in there.  And no finger prints.  Be sure to leave it the same way and press the seal back well.  Do it in a dry place you don't want a film to develop on the inside of the glass from temperature changes.   I had to do mine over after 20 years.

[ptooner]

Good method.  one more point.  You are opening a sealed unit.  No dust or moisture has been in there.  And no finger prints.  Be sure to leave it the same way and press the seal back well.  Do it in a dry place you don't want a film to develop on the inside of the glass from temperature changes.   I had to do mine over after 20 years.

Okay, got that done if I could just get the thing back in the dash now.  It came out so easily.  Oh, sealed unit?  Hardly, the white rubber cover had turned into dust many years ago.  I put on a new one so perhaps it's sealed now. 

I reached in through the speedo hole to reconnect the tach and the instrument cluster and thought I could reach in through the radio panel opening to connect the speedo.  SO far that isn't happening.  I can't assume the upside down position in the floor to do it from underneath so I'm reconsidering my approach now.

Gerry

[garymand]

Oh, the joys of getting into that dash board.  I need to replace both tach and speedo cables -someday when my blood pressure is real low.

[ptooner]

Oh, the joys of getting into that dash board.  I need to replace both tach and speedo cables -someday when my blood pressure is real low.

I spent about three hours trying unsuccessfully to get the bracket on the speedo yesterday.  Then my wife arrived home and placed her smaller hand and shorter forearm in the position that mine wouldn't reach.  She installed the bracket in about 5 minutes.     I can't see any way to get at it from below as recommended on the forum or the tech manual somewhere.  I did remove the steering wheel as well as the radio plate and all the dash leather covered panels.  On an unrelated note, I had purchased a retro radio to replace the old becker and decided to replace the antenna too while I was in there.  (damned near impossible with AC)  Anyway, for curiosity I hooked up the old radio to the new antenna on the bench and it worked fine.  Now I'm undecided which one to put back in.  Anyone interested in a brand new never installed reproduction radio?
Gerry