Need odometer for ’78 FJ40 Gauge cluster (October 1977 build)

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RollBar

RollBar

Joined
Dec 5, 2023
Threads
5
Messages
14
Location
Ft. Collins, Colorado
Anyone have any pointers to where I could find just the odometer (or whole speedometer) component to the gauge cluster? I have a stuck odo… found some info on how to free it up by disassembling and cleaning the hardened grease, which prevents all of the dials except the 10ths from spinning. Mine doesn’t seem to come apart the same way, so I thought I’d be a genius and drop the odo dial into some (boiling) hot water (overnight) to loosen things up. It did a little, but not enough, and the hot water faded the black tape on each wheel to very light grey…. so now it’s unreadable. :-) Rest of my cluster is fine, really just need a new speedo/odo, and I don’t want to swap to km/h if I don’t have to… I know there are tons of those cheap new “oem”gauge clusters available. Need an MPH one, and if the speedo/odo is the only thing that works, that’d work for me. I did briefly search the classifieds, but maybe I’m not good enough at searching there yet. If anyone sees this and knows a source, I’d appreciate it.
 
Let me see if I understand correctly; you want to find a used odo just like yours but with turning dials and legible numbers? Because your numbers are faded and the dials don't turn and you can't find a picture of how it comes apart? But you did search briefly.
I'm sure it's out there. I might start by contacting somebody I know who might have one, maybe @65swb45 or @pardion might have one. Maybe even post a wanted in the classifieds here. SOR might have it but they are always my last choice. none of those will be cheap.
In my never so humble opinion, you really should figure out how to take it apart. And in doing so learn how to put it back together. All you really need are legible dials. I know that there are MANY threads about the odo problem and how to fix it so they move. I did one. You could probably find an odo from a corolla or corona or any Toyota from the same era and it would have the same dials in it. Toyota is good that way. Or fix your dials. I can turn gray into black with a sharpie. I bet you can find or make sticky numerals. Maybe even buy ready-made decals. Make custom numerals in cool colors. Use Roman numerals even.
Sometimes, just sometimes, it's better to fix what you have than shop for a new used one. It's good to learn something about how your rig works. The new used piece will probably then fail just as yours did. It's usually cheaper, quicker and even greener to just DIY. Do not be afraid to take things apart, usually. Start a new thread "Fixing my faded odo". Add lots of pics, It'll be fun.
 
Pighead said:
Let me see if I understand correctly; you want to find a used odo just like yours but with turning dials and legible numbers? Because your numbers are faded and the dials don't turn and you can't find a picture of how it comes apart? But you did search briefly.
I'm sure it's out there. I might start by contacting somebody I know who might have one, maybe @65swb45 or @pardion might have one. Maybe even post a wanted in the classifieds here. SOR might have it but they are always my last choice. none of those will be cheap.
In my never so humble opinion, you really should figure out how to take it apart. And in doing so learn how to put it back together. All you really need are legible dials. I know that there are MANY threads about the odo problem and how to fix it so they move. I did one. You could probably find an odo from a corolla or corona or any Toyota from the same era and it would have the same dials in it. Toyota is good that way. Or fix your dials. I can turn gray into black with a sharpie. I bet you can find or make sticky numerals. Maybe even buy ready-made decals. Make custom numerals in cool colors. Use Roman numerals even.
Sometimes, just sometimes, it's better to fix what you have than shop for a new used one. It's good to learn something about how your rig works. The new used piece will probably then fail just as yours did. It's usually cheaper, quicker and even greener to just DIY. Do not be afraid to take things apart, usually. Start a new thread "Fixing my faded odo". Add lots of pics, It'll be fun.
Click to expand...
Love your handle… thanks Pighead. :-) Yeah, I should learn how to take it apart. I saw some videos that looked pretty simple, removing a c-clip and the whole thing slid off the pin… but mine looks like it’s more permanently assembled… no c-clip except for on the end with the gear. Great advice looking for one from another type of car that would be similar. I’ve seen a couple of other replies that I have to catch up on… got a DM with a good lead. Much appreciate your reply. I’m not a mechanic, but I’ve learned how to do things over the years as they needed doing, and I do things much more slowly/carefully now. :-)
 
devo said:
Hey @RollBar from FoCo. Sorry to change the subject but, how is it getting emissions testing up there? Are they super strict ?

Also, the cluster/speedo master is @JVZii
Click to expand...
Hi Devo. Thank you for the pointer to JVZii. I got a note from him and will definitely connect. Got a few replies that I’m catching up on today. As for your question on emissions… it’s tighter than it used to be. If its old enough, it’s exempt… ’75 or older with Collector plates. Without Collector plates, even ’75 and older require annual. Gas Emissions Requirements | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle - https://dmv.colorado.gov/gas-emissions-requirements. On my inspection report for my ’78, which has the emissions equipment but had previously failed with the PO, I surprisingly passed here in Larimer County. HC PPM limit is 400, and CO% is 1.5. They measure CO2%, but there aren’t any limits. I was glad to see their notes that there was not a Check Engine light or any Diagnostic Trouble Codes. :-)
 
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