Lined them up...
What did you do on your 70 series today? (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter IH8MUD
- Start date
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The super glow system on my BJ75 was never really working since the PO installed the 1Hz, and with the numerous electrical issues I've been having recently I decided to delete the preheat timer and install a more simplified system. I followed the write up from the Wilson switch thread: Wilson switch
I used much of the existing wiring, and utilized the primary glow plug relay. I used a normally off momentary switch that is connected to the glow light and provides power to the stock primary glow relay and then the glow plugs. I still need to get the correct, higher voltage glow plugs but so far it is working well.
While I had the dash apart for wiring the switch it was a perfect opportunity to take apart the gauge cluster and install the really neat Km/h and MPH speedo conversion overlay that @FJ73Texas created. Unfortunately he could not use them, but it proved perfect for my needs. I'm really happy with the results, and stoked that he was kind enough to pass one on to me. Thanks again @FJ73Texas!
Cluster coming apart
magnetic km/h and MPH overlay installed. I cut the overlay at the bottom instead of trying to pull the speedo needle off...
The cut was hardly noticeable once the mod was complete.
I used much of the existing wiring, and utilized the primary glow plug relay. I used a normally off momentary switch that is connected to the glow light and provides power to the stock primary glow relay and then the glow plugs. I still need to get the correct, higher voltage glow plugs but so far it is working well.
While I had the dash apart for wiring the switch it was a perfect opportunity to take apart the gauge cluster and install the really neat Km/h and MPH speedo conversion overlay that @FJ73Texas created. Unfortunately he could not use them, but it proved perfect for my needs. I'm really happy with the results, and stoked that he was kind enough to pass one on to me. Thanks again @FJ73Texas!
Cluster coming apart
magnetic km/h and MPH overlay installed. I cut the overlay at the bottom instead of trying to pull the speedo needle off...
The cut was hardly noticeable once the mod was complete.
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Not that I’m overly familiar with Troopy instrument clusters but do they all have this plastic piece in the middle?
With the gauge cluster back together I wanted to test the Wilson switch circuit before buttoning up the dash
and with the dash back together it was still working!
the truck had a previous life in the Danish fire service and there are a few left over labels in Danish... I put the momentary switch in an already drilled hole labeled "ARBEJDS-LYS" - "Work Light". Seemed fitting.
The reason @FJ73Texas could not use the overlay he made was that he has a newer cluster, one which light passes through it instead of coming in from the sides. Mine is old, and painted sheet metal, and the light comes from around it. No issues at night with seeing the speedo for me. The overlay has been self tested and calibrated using GPS, it is slightly adjustable and is spot on with me running 35" tires.
and with the dash back together it was still working!
the truck had a previous life in the Danish fire service and there are a few left over labels in Danish... I put the momentary switch in an already drilled hole labeled "ARBEJDS-LYS" - "Work Light". Seemed fitting.
The reason @FJ73Texas could not use the overlay he made was that he has a newer cluster, one which light passes through it instead of coming in from the sides. Mine is old, and painted sheet metal, and the light comes from around it. No issues at night with seeing the speedo for me. The overlay has been self tested and calibrated using GPS, it is slightly adjustable and is spot on with me running 35" tires.
I have no idea. As @FJ73Texas and I were discussing, it's amazing how many different cluster variations there are with the 70 series. I look at that gauge every day and it didn't even register to me that the plastic piece was there until I was getting ready to install the overlay. Not sure what that says about my powers of observation, but you being from GA probably understand that
@svsisu
Wilson switches rule! I inherited one from a Canadian PO. Where I live temps vary from +110F to -20F. I haven't had a start lower than 20F yet since I bought the truck last summer, but so far it seems that 10-20 sec on the button does the trick. Proper winter will be the real test though.
Do you calibrate the speed by just rotating the magnetic overlay around the needle base? I too have an early meter cluster and was hoping to score one of those. In the words of South Park, "smart smart smart smart smart"
Wilson switches rule! I inherited one from a Canadian PO. Where I live temps vary from +110F to -20F. I haven't had a start lower than 20F yet since I bought the truck last summer, but so far it seems that 10-20 sec on the button does the trick. Proper winter will be the real test though.
Do you calibrate the speed by just rotating the magnetic overlay around the needle base? I too have an early meter cluster and was hoping to score one of those. In the words of South Park, "smart smart smart smart smart"
is
Yes, the calibration is as simple as rotating the overlay. Obviously the rotation amount is limited, but I found a small adjustment would make a difference of 5 mph or so. I don't know how different the number pattern is with all the different clusters, but I think with most of the 70 series, especially the older ones it should be very close and the overlay would be usable. There may be more difference between diesel and petrol speedometers.
I'm really happy to have the wilson switch installed. After my secondary glow relay shorted itself, and drained the batteries I disabled the glow system. It doesn't get very cold where I live, but when it was down in the mid 40s last week and I really smoked out my neighbors on start up in the morning, I figured it was time to do something.
Yes, the calibration is as simple as rotating the overlay. Obviously the rotation amount is limited, but I found a small adjustment would make a difference of 5 mph or so. I don't know how different the number pattern is with all the different clusters, but I think with most of the 70 series, especially the older ones it should be very close and the overlay would be usable. There may be more difference between diesel and petrol speedometers.
I'm really happy to have the wilson switch installed. After my secondary glow relay shorted itself, and drained the batteries I disabled the glow system. It doesn't get very cold where I live, but when it was down in the mid 40s last week and I really smoked out my neighbors on start up in the morning, I figured it was time to do something.
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The first rains are supposedly gonna hit here pretty soon. Time to put the top on. Also replaced all the 30 year old seals while it was off.
Had some metal fabrication friends come over and build a carport I designed for the Troopy. Still gotta screw down some metal roofing on it but it's coming along great!
Added 2 additional aux fuel filters behind the cab. (Photo courtesy of Odd Iron)
Nice work, Matt. Speedo is always a pain in the ass.
I don't think instrument clusters are body specific, I think they are trim and model year and maybe market specific.
Just looking at that makes my hands hurt. Doing it in the HDJ81 was a pain.
Sometimes the speedo cable makes a horrible screeching noise and the needle starts bouncing around. First time I heard the screech I thought something was going to explode in the transmission. Then I figured out it was just the speedo cable and no need to fix or worry. I'm going to play jokes with my wife when she rides with me and tell her: "lift your legs up and put your feet on the dash in case the transmission explodes and the flywheel comes through the floor like a sawblade" . I think it will be a good joke....... There are a few younger guys on the forum that manage to get some attractive young women to ride with them in their 70's. Perhaps some with long legs and short skirts at times. There are alot of benefits to driving an old classic 4wd, adventure and excitement are one of them.
In my case it started out as “sometimes” squeaking to eventually every time I drove it. Even with my bad hearing, that squeaking noise had to go. First time I heard it, it did scare me.
It seemed the best option was to just replace it while the OEM part is still available.
It seemed the best option was to just replace it while the OEM part is still available.
FJBen
SILVER Star
Can you just pull the cable out of the sheath and grease/graphite it like the 60 series? I've heard people talk about that fix as mine isn't squeaking, but there is just a little noise I'd like to fix before having to completely replace it.
I am sure you could. This was my first time dealing with mechanical speedometer cable so I didn't try pulling it out of the plastic sheath.
The new cable only cost $42 ($71 with shipping) so I decided to just get the new cable while I could.
The new cable only cost $42 ($71 with shipping) so I decided to just get the new cable while I could.
