Author Topic: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....  (Read 6381 times)

flacc

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While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« on: June 04, 2008, 16:31:23 »
After reading posts I've deceided to have my broken rheostat bypassed, and 4 watt bulbs put in.  I would welcome suggestons of any other maintenance work that might be done while the instrument cluster is out.

waqas

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2008, 17:47:08 »
Lubricate your speedo and tach cables (or replace if necessary).

Waqas (Wa-kaas) in Austin, Texas

hauser

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2008, 19:46:17 »
If you are considering having the instruments rebuilt this would be a good time to do it.  I would also try to figure out a way of getting the speedo to produce a little bit more light so that both it and the tach have equal amounts of brightness.

Richard Madison

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2008, 20:36:02 »
If the instrument seals are dried out, easy to replace as the instruments are re-installed.  This is the grey seal that goes under each chrome surround...betweem the surround and the dash itself. Seals are available from MB and parts dealers.

Richard M, NYC
1969 280 SL, Tunis Beige, Euro Model (Italy).

Naj ✝︎

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2008, 02:06:22 »
Clean and polish all glass - inside and out.

naj
68 280SL

flacc

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2008, 05:53:18 »
Thanks for the rspid fire response. As always, this site is unbelievable!

Cees Klumper

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2008, 15:58:30 »
Maybe lubricate the windshield wiper mechanism? Can't recall off the top now whether having the instrument cluster out aids that procedure.

Please be careful with the capillary tube for the coolant temperature gauge as you take out the instruments.
« Last Edit: June 05, 2008, 15:59:14 by cees klumper »
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

graphic66

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Re: While the reheostat is being bypassed.....
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2008, 06:30:46 »
Put a note on your car keys to remind you to hook up the oil line going to the oil pressure gauge. It can make a big mess if you forget to hook it up on reassembly. Don't forget the brown ground wires that go on under the mounting screws for the instruments. Put silicone dielectric compound on all connections, especially the rheostat spring and all bulbs.