Speedometer upgrade for non-stock tires

[Biscuit]

About a year ago I got the idea to find a way to restore the markings on my gauge cluster. After doing some tinkering with the a cluster, I drew up some artwork originally intending to silkscreen the gauge faces.

Well that would be a lot of work, and would be limited to the screens I would make. So I did a bit more research and settled on precision cut adhesive backed vinyl. I then looked into the types of vinyl and found a marine grade premium vinyl in matte white to make the markings out of.

That allowed me to make the markings to take my gauge cluster from this:



to this:




If you look carefully (or not so carefully) at the speedometer markings you will notice the after picture is quite different from the before. That is intentional.

While I was tinkering with the cluster and creating the artwork, I figured out how the speedometer worked. This allowed me to correct the speedometer for the 33" tires I have on my FJ40. The way I see it, if I am going to spend this much time cleaning up and restoring my cluster, might as well make the speedometer accurate.

I also replaced the foam that acts as a light seal for the turn signals and high-beams and repainted the needles the correct orange color while I was at it.

The cluster goes back in the 40 tomorrow, but though I would share the development with Mud.

I will be making these available in stock, 31", and 33" tire configurations. I can also do custom tire sizes based on my calculations.



*Disclaimer: I know that the odometer readings are different. My FJ40 was sold to me mileage unknown and the odometer reading is not used for insurance purposes. It more for my information.

 

[Tanker120]

Nice Job and great idea on matching tire size!

 

[65swb45]

I wouldn't expect anything less from a rocket scientist!

Nice work Mike.

I look forward to seeing it in person...
















tomorrow!

 

[bikersmurf]

Looks good.

I think I'd add 110 or 120 in the bottom corner for a more stock look.

How much would these sell for? For 33s, 3.70s, and miles & km?

 

[Biscuit]

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

I think I'd add 110 or 120 in the bottom corner for a more stock look.

I thought about skipping the 100 marking and putting 110 in the bottom corner. In my opinion that is part of the speedometer that is there for looks and not actual use. I can easily put that in if anyone desires it. 120 would not fit in the sweep range of the stock cluster for 33" tires. 35" tires would get a 120 marking.

How much would these sell for? For 33s, 3.70s, and miles & km?

I'm thinking as the stickers are $25-$30 shipped USPS priority mail. (In the three variants mentioned in post 1)

Creating markings for 3.70 diffs would not be a problem, I can adjust my calculations to account for it. The only catch is if the speedometer is different from the early diff speedos (I seem to recall seeing a 0-80mph speedo on the very late FJ40s)

The km/h inner markings will require a bit more R&D for me. The cutter I have is not vinyl only and sometimes has issues with fine detail cuts. It is a solvable problem, just one that would take some time. Time to create those markings would be based on demand for the current markings and available time.

 

[Pork-n-Bean]

Looks great

 

[duffontap]

I'm thinking as the stickers are $25-$30 shipped USPS priority mail.

Nice...

 

[imabigbangkindaguy]

That is where it is at, my friend!!
I humbley stand corrected.......

Brilliant idea, to adjust mph markings!!!

Very impressive!


Out of curiousity, what color Orange did you use to repaint the the gauge needles?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Nice work. MIke

 

[motto]

i would like one for 35'' tires and 411 gears these look great Thanks Bryan . PM if you would have availible

 

[Biscuit]

PMs sent to bikersmurf and motto re: their suggested configurations.

 

[Spike Strip]

Saw the cluster yesterday ... Looks like bran'-spankin' new stock (Like I've ever seen one), but it's how I imagine a new stock one should look!

Nice work, Mike... Get the springs finished ?

 

[40TUDE]

very cool...hope to get to that point in my build soon and give you an order

 

[Biscuit]

Get the springs finished ?

Yep. Last bolts tightened just after 19:00. Nice tide compared to the completely worn out springs.

 

[JohnnyC]

very nice job

 

[FJsnoozer]

i would like a set for 33s. Please let me know when these would be available. with or without 110 MPH


110 in an LC...

 

[Biscuit]

Availability should be next week. I have a take home midterm for one of my graduate courses this week and will be focusing on that.

Would there be interest in a "deluxe" kit? This would include new foam gaskets for the high beams and turn signals, needle paint, and the small sheet metal screws to anchor the faces back on after removal. Price would be ~$10 more. ($35-$40 shipped to your door)

I'll send PM when I am ready. I will be doing initial orders one at a time to ensure I can fulfill each order.

I will create a thread in the Merchandise Storefront tonight and use post 1 as a running list of order status and availability. I will have a better list of ground rules on the orders in that post.

Thanks for the interest and support everyone.

 

[FJsnoozer]

are these things that we would need to source out anyway? if so Heck yeah.

I think 10 dollars is what I would spend driving to walmart for neon orange needle paint and the random redbull and snack that I would buy while there.

 

[Spike Strip]

DELUXE kit is perfect. Count me in for two (2).

 

[mep1811]

Speedo upgrade

Great work! Sign me up for a deluxe kit for 33" tires.