Period Correct Speedometer

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Tudelum48
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Period Correct Speedometer

#1

Post by Tudelum48 »

I'm looking way ahead for this but it doesn't look like the is a Reproduction Speedometer for 48-52 that I've seen so far? From the photo's I've seen looks like mine is possibly a 42-45 year range? possibly military. Looks pretty rough.
anyone know of ones being built with the 48-52 faceplate?
Tudelum48
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#2

Post by Tudelum48 »

Harley Speedometer.JPG
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Tudelum48
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#3

Post by Tudelum48 »

I've read that there is suppose to be a stamp for ID on it also. Where is the stamp located?
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#4

Post by Bigincher »

I have seen the '48-52 speedometer being reproduced. Saw them on eBay in the $300 range, sometime in the past year or so, don't remember exactly when.
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#5

Post by Buddhahoodvatoloco »

That speedo to me looks like a reproduction, but I could, and am usually wrong. The actual speedo housing has a stenciled stamp on it.
I have attached three pics, one is what could be considered the bible for identifying specific speedo's by face plate.
The other pic will offer a example of what to look for as far as what the stencil looks like on the speedo casing.
Have attached a picture of what the correct or supposedly correct speedo face for the speedo you posted, should look like.
Reproduction faces are available I would assume, but most are devoid of the Harley logo.
I get my speedos from, opps that's a secret.. :-}
Good working speedo can usually fetch between $700-$1000, that is correct complete speedos.

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Bigincher
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#6

Post by Bigincher »

Here's a link to the repop 1948-52 speedometer as seen on eBay. Although I've never had one in my hands, it looks just like the $50 repops available for other years, but has a kind-of close likeness to a correct face. Most all of the repops fail in short order, or have the wrong fitting for the cable, or wrong ratio.
Personally, I think $300 is a complete waste of money, and would keep saving my money to buy a genuine one.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/401048157472?_mwBanner=1
Tudelum48
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#7

Post by Tudelum48 »

I'm learning every day about these things. But if that's a reproduction speedo it's an old one.lol
That's the way it looks after sitting in a box for 35 years.
Thanks for the photo on id location. I'll report back.
Thanks
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#8

Post by FL54 »

My guess is that is an OEM speedometer. You can barely make out the bar and shield logo at the bottom and it looks old. And broken.
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#9

Post by RUBONE »

That speedo has a mixed bag of parts on it. The bezel is the style that began in '48 with the new face, the face on yours is '41-'46 civilian type. It isn't correct for any year, most likely something a a dealer repaired at some early stage from mixed parts.
Can't see the rivets on the face or the odometer reset assembly. Are they there?
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#10

Post by OLD WUN »

I would never go with a repop speedometer unless you are unable to find one at all. There is always something that is just not right! I use an excellent guy out of Texas to rebuild when I find one at a swap meet that is in bad shape. He even has the correct number stamps for the back of the housing!
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#11

Post by Bigincher »

I think it's quite alright to mention that the excellent guy in Texas is John Bordas. He's done two speedometers for me, and I highly recommend him. He can probably build one from scratch, if someone were to ask.
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#12

Post by FL54 »

+1 on John Bordas. Does good work reasonably and he's a good guy.
Tudelum48
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#13

Post by Tudelum48 »

Well I'm going to need some help identifying this one. I did a little light cleaning on it where the numbers were suppose to be. The only thing on it is a (SW). No other markings I've seen so far.
I'll post some more photos. One thing that makes me wonder is on the bottom behind the bezel is a thin plastic strip about 2" long. Looks like a dust guard of some kind.
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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#14

Post by Tudelum48 »

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Re: Period Correct Speedometer

#15

Post by RUBONE »

One thing that makes me wonder is on the bottom behind the bezel is a thin plastic strip about 2" long.
Are you talking about the speedo light window? It was last used on '47 speedos (and in a slightly different location than '41-46 which was centered). '48 and up have bulb holders built in.

I have several Panhead era cores in similar shape if you want to trade the one you have for a correct core for your bike.
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