are all spedos calibrated the same way?

[erickmarciano]

since our cars came with different rear gear ratios , how does the speedo make up for it ?is it the speedo that is different or the speedo gear in the transmition?
thanks

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[rwmastel]

Here's a guess:  the part number at the bottom of the speedo, visible through the glass, might determine the ratio it's set up for.  Just a guess.  Of course, speedometer repair centers can probably modify yours to match a new differential ratio if that needs done.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[pagode.info]

The ratio of your speedo has been
stamped on the backside.

MB delivered 8 different ratios on
pagoda speedos, because there were
4 different rear axles ratios in mls
plus the same in kilometers.

Tom

[erickmarciano]

great
thanks for the info

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[SL113fan]

Regarding the part number stamped on the speedometer face--I believe this refers only to the face panel and not the speedometer assy.  At least this is the case with my W116's VDO speedo, the part number to which is near the back.

[Benz Dr.]

How would there be 8 different ratios when there's only 4 different axels?
 I can see 8 different speedos, 4 metric and 4 in miles but the ratios would be the same inside of the unit. Only the face on the outside would be different.
 You could have them marked in quazooks and it still wouldn't matter ~)

Daniel G Caron

[TheEngineer]

The other day I was stopped by our friendly Hiway Patrol: They accused me of doing 100 quazooks in a 35 MPH zone. I argued that my speedometer said 100 quazooks, and it was OK. He understood and let me go.

[erickmarciano]

so I guess depending on the gear ratio there is a different gear in the transmision or the speedo?

[pagode.info]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

How would there be 8 different ratios when there's only 4 different axels?
 I can see 8 different speedos, 4 metric and 4 in miles but the ratios would be the same inside of the unit. Only the face on the outside would be different.
 You could have them marked in quazooks and it still wouldn't matter ~)

Daniel G Caron

Yes, this is correct. The ratio for the speed is the same. But the
ratio that counts the miles is different to the ratio that counts
kilometers.

Lots of owners who changed the face plate only was wondering why
it shows the correct speed but not the correct mileage.

It`s because the inside ratios of the mls speedos are different
to the inside ratios of the km`s speedos. They count the mileage
on different ways.

Tom

[Benz Dr.]

Good point I never thought about. So, that only covers the gears that run the numbers and not the speedo dial?

Daniel G Caron

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by erickmarciano

so I guess depending on the gear ratio there is a different gear in the transmision or the speedo?

Eric,
Nobody is directly answering your question - but Tom (Pagode.info) implies that there is nothing changed in the transmission, it's all in the dash instrument.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[erickmarciano]

thanks glad I am not crazy could not find my awnsers from the posts




1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[A Dalton]

quote:Originally posted by erickmarciano

thanks glad I am not crazy could not find my awnsers from the post

 Well, I am sure that anyone that took the time to answer your post fiqured , seeing that is has to be one or the other  [ speedo.tranny gears], your question was answered..
 But I do see your point....