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| | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 105 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 105 | Hi everyone,
I recently replaced my non-working speedometer with a reproduction head unit. The truck is a '51 Chevy so after doing my reseach I purchased the 80 mph speedometer. The old one was a 90 mph speedometer so I figured that it was replaced before I owned the truck. However when I put the new unit in I noticed that the hole for the high beam indicator light is on the bottom of the 80 mph speedo whereas it was on the top of the 90 mph speedo so the indicator light doesn't line up with the hole anymore. I tried turning the head unit 180 degrees but it doesn't mount correctly.
From what I have been able to find out the truck was built in October of 51--and I know that in 1952 they went to a 90 mph speedo. So my questions is is it possible that my 51 came orginally with the 90 mph speedo?
Sorry for the long post.
Chris | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 649 | Do you mean the high beam hole is covered by the "decal"? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,201 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,201 | Either that or the whole housing was replaced, which would be the easy way to change out the speedometer. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 428 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 428 | Is it possible? yes. 51 was a transitional year. It was the only year for wing windows and pull down door handles. You could have parts leftover from 50, or parts from 52 depending on supplies. I would check the assembly of the speedo. The hi beam light bulb should plug into the back of the speedo adjacent to the indicator hole on the front. If I do have this wrong one of the other guys who is more knowledgeable on 51's will correct my info. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 105 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 105 | Do you mean the high beam hole is covered by the "decal"? The hole isn't covered by the decal. It is on the bottom of speedometer face where as on the 90 mph speedometer the hole was on the top. Since I just replaced the speedometer and not the whole housing I suppose friedgreentmater could be right in that the whole unit was switched out. Am I correct in stating that it should have a 80 mph speedo and not 90. I have seen conflicting information in some of the parts catalogues. Chris | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 428 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 428 | After reading the post more carefully, I think the housing probably needs changed out. They come up on ebay from time to time. | | |
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