Group buy for MPH speedometer conversion (1 Viewer)

[woytovich]

In search of people in the US that have this exact speedometer face in their 70 series cluster that would like to convert it to a MPH face. A company out of England sells replacement faces but they do not have one for this layout but they will do a custom run. I am willing to front the bulk of the order if I can get a few preorders - I have no idea how many people's rigs have this speedometer. FYI my truck is a 1995 HZJ75 with this most basic cluster.
If you have this speedometer and are interested chime in here and we'll see if this plan has legs.
It looks like the price will be around $100USD to your door.

 

[prwillard2]

I'd be interested in a group buy, but my speedo goes to 200kph

 

[woytovich]

I'd be interested in a group buy, but my speedo goes to 200kph

As I said you need this exact speedometer face to be part of this group buy. But you can check their website, they might already have your gauge face available.

 

[woytovich]

The company is Lockwood out of England.

 

[jmylie]

just memorize your 6 tables


5 x 60 kph = 30 mph
6 x 60 kph = 36 mph

etc.

Not exact but close enough.

Or use a phone app with GPS MPH and not worry about larger tires messing up your calculations

 

[Gun Runner 5]

…. Or just install a GPS HUD (heads up display). I’ve got one in both of my Cruisers and I seldom even look at my speedometer.

 

[woytovich]

All... I understand that there are many manual/alternate options. I would like a more real, permanent solution. I had a digital gps device for a 4 day trip recently but vastly prefer a dial analog gauge.
To each his own, you do you.

 

[FJ73Texas]

@woytovich Did you ever go through with this? I am in talks with Gerry from Lockwood to produce the transparent 160mph version with T-belt for me.

 

[woytovich]

I got onto other issues, no progress. They wanted me to send my gauge face to them for reference.

 

[woytovich]

Yes, "Gerry" for me too....

 

[JVZii]

I recently did all the art work for an fj40 conversion using a tough outdoor vinyl.

I can do this for the 70 series as well (for a lot less than $100 per unit). If someone has the artwork or a loose speedometer face that can be scanned and sent to me. I can do this pretty easily.

Here is an example of what I created as well as an installation video Note for this one I wanted to make it a little easier to install so I did not do the inside hoop. but I have versions of both. BTW this fj40 decal is on ebay if you need one.

Multiple colors can be done as well again I just need a good example.

Thanks
Jack

Also here is an installation video

 

[FJ73Texas]

I have the artwork 1:1 scale in various versions (in *.ai ....adobe illustrator format for example) but my question is how does this look when there is light behind it?

 

[JVZii]

Maybe I made a mistake. Are the numbers back lit or are the bulbs around the perimeter?

 

[FJ73Texas]

Maybe I made a mistake. Are the numbers back lit or are the bulbs around the perimeter?

Sometime around 1993 (for the 70 series), the clusters started to become backlit and faces are of plastic material. Prior to that, they had bulbs around the cluster and the faces are metal.

Been trying to master the backlit concept but it is quite difficult. Can never quite get it right.

 

[JVZii]

This application would only work with the perimeter lit speedometers. I would imagine that the back lit is a much more difficult I think I found your files I will mess with them a little and see how well they transfer over.

 

[joekatana]

I got onto other issues, no progress. They wanted me to send my gauge face to them for reference.

If neccesary I can provide the gauge face for both models if that would help the process , I would be interested in a few mph gauges . The smaller one is more common and more desirable and comes in 2 different kph variants and I should have both plus the larger model .

 

[prwillard2]

I have the artwork 1:1 scale in various versions (in *.ai ....adobe illustrator format for example) but my question is how does this look when there is light behind it?

View attachment 3301402

View attachment 3301403

Mine goes up to 200kph!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Mine goes up to 200kph!

As the old saying goes “if you’re going to dream, dream big”.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Mine goes up to 200kph!

Never got my hands on one of those to draw up but yeah like @Gun Runner 5 said, dream big or do what @2fpower did, drop in a LS. Haha

 

[prwillard2]

Never got my hands on one of those to draw up but yeah like @Gun Runner 5 said, dream big or do what @2fpower did, drop in a LS. Haha

If my head gasket truly is bad (see my build thread) I'm contemplating putting in a 6BT. One here locally with a P-pump for 3k...