1956 Buick Speedometer Disassembly - Pictures and Video

[1956century]

Posting in case someone finds these pictures helpful. I had a wonky speedometer in my 1956 Century. The faster I drove, the faster it spun. It did not register a speed, it just kept spinning internally. In my case, the issue was the return spring on the passenger side - it was twisted and tangled. I was able to source parts from a spare cluster.

 

Video of it fixed and working:

 

 

 

 

 

Be careful when removing the drum. There are tiny shims that ride on this tip. They will fall out if you're not careful.

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust the tension and tighten the jam nut.

 

Edited April 26, 2019 by 1956century (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

That is GREAT!  What process does one use to adjust the tension in order to calibrate the speedometer?  And I can't see the picture with the jam nut

Edited April 25, 2019 by JohnD1956 (see edit history)

[Buicknutty]

 This is good info for anyone with these, as I have had to have mine worked on in the past.

 Thanks.

 Keith

[1956century]

4 minutes ago, JohnD1956 said:

That is GREAT!  What process does one use to adjust the tension in order to calibrate the speedometer? 

 

The shims slide onto the tip in the fourth picture. This end then slides into the centering hole in the third picture.

 

You want to use the shims to space the drum out enough so it doesn't hit the rotating magnets.

 

I added shims (after I collected them off the floor) until I had enough clearance, then I installed the drum and tightened the adjuster. I turned the speedo with my drill and loosened the adjuster just enough so the drum would turn freely and the return to the zero position correctly, as seen in the video.

 

On the left is a shim I made. On the right factory ones. It takes a bit of trial and error to get the spacing right, but it's not too difficult.

 

[buick man]

... This is great and thanks for taking the time to post this which I think many perceive this whole process as daunting at best ...and with a video to boot !  Some of us here are challenged in just attempting to post  a photo ...  ; )