Speedo questions

[cml55]

I have a 69 280sl/auto and the odometer has quit.  The needle bounces a bit but it is acurate according to my GPS.  I am going to remove the speedo and I found great instuctions on the site.  I do have a couple of questions.

1-Can someone recommend a good shop to repair the speedo.  I live in St. Louis, MO so I would prefer to stay in US.

2-The glass is either faded or just dirty on the inside and the tach is clean.  Is there anything that can be done to prevent the glass from getting dirty again in another 40 years.

3-The needle does bounce a bit and should I change the cable while the speedo is out.  Where is the best place to get the cable?

4-How many light bulbs do I need for the gauge cluster?  Can I get theses at my local dealer although I really hate to go there since I always feel the parts guy should have a gun pointed at me when he gives me the bill.


Thanks for your help the site is great.

[Jonny B]

I know others will chime in, but I had excellent service and quality of repair from Palo Alto Speedometer.

You may not need to replace the speedo cable, you can pull it out, and soak it with cleaner/degreaser and relube and it may be fine. It could also be contributing to the dial jumping around.

The glass is cleanable and a number of folks on the site have done that. It does require a careful removal of the chrome bezel.

You should be able to use the search function and find some info about the lights. I don't remember off hand how many there are.

[dldubois]

I would second Palo Alto Speedo... There's also a good place in Austin, TX... can't think of their name though.Southwest? I would definitely pry the bezel off and clean the glass.  I did mine when removed and the change is dramatic... Its been 3 years and its still looking like new.    There are directions on how to remove the bezel if you use the search function...Pretty easy.

[Rolland]

Palo Alto Speedo did all the maintenance needed on my gauges including some new glass and bezels.  Very fast service and nicely done.

Rolland

[menesesjesse]

The problem with the odometer is a small plastic gear that has worn out.  You cannot byt this gear easily on the net.  Pal Alto replaced the gear only for me. The cost was reasonable compared to a rebuild but this is not the norm for them.  The service was very good and I got my speedometer working again.  There are 2 2watt bulbs for the speedo.
Jesse