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Replacing white speedo needle with an new orange one..

aegorov - October 21st, 2011 at 04:01 PM

Does anyone know where I can get an orange/red needle to replace the standard white one in my 1970 beetle speedo?

I want it to match the other VDO gauges I have on my dashboard.

68AutoBug - October 21st, 2011 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aegorov
Does anyone know where I can get an orange/red needle to replace the standard white one in my 1970 beetle speedo?

I want it to match the other VDO gauges I have on my dashboard.

HI

I just painted mine orange..

LEE

Joel - October 21st, 2011 at 06:29 PM

Yep painted looks fine.
Did mine years ago for the same reason

But if you want a newer needle I found one out of a 90s Nissan fit mine and matched my other gauges.

beetleboyjeff - October 21st, 2011 at 08:50 PM

Yeah, I just painted mine.

HappyDaze - October 22nd, 2011 at 07:49 AM

Pretty optimistic 'Red line' setting there, Jeff. :smirk:

beetleboyjeff - October 22nd, 2011 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HappyDaze
Pretty optimistic 'Red line' setting there, Jeff. :smirk:

There isn't actually a red line on that tacho, just the needle. The reason it is so high is that it is playing up and the moment, and fluctuates at times. It seems I have cought it at a high fluctuation.

Does look impressive though, doesn't it. :-)

Joel - October 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 AM

Damn, thought I was staring at an F16 cockpit with all them round things and switches.

aegorov - October 22nd, 2011 at 05:57 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

I thought I'd have to stuff around finding a suitable needle.

I'll just paint it.

zayus - October 25th, 2011 at 11:51 AM

Guys,

Aegorov, thanks for bringing up the subject of changing the colour of the needle.

I have been wanting to paint my speedo needle for ages!
Thanks for displaying pictures of your speedo, it has encouraged me to get on with the job.

What has really held me back, is the removal of the bezel & the lense from the speedo - my speedo is from 1970 Beetle.
What is the procedure?
A flathead screw driver and a lot patience?

Any advise would be great.

Thanks,
Zayus

aegorov - October 29th, 2011 at 04:41 PM

Zayus,

I've just ordered a small pot of red fluorescent paint from this shop on ebay...

http://stores.ebay.com.au/HiPoParts-Manuals-and-LED-Lighting?_trksid=p4340.l2563

I'll be painting my needle (and fuel gauge needle), as well as installing an LED strip to replace the existing standard bulbs.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Joel - October 30th, 2011 at 01:16 PM

You may find there's not enough room inside for an LED strip with a flat screen speedo.
I only just squeezed one of those flat LED ribbons inside an Lbug speedo.

aegorov - October 30th, 2011 at 02:14 PM

Joel,

your pics of your speedo led mod were the inspiration for my attempts at doing mine!

What was the issue with space. From the pics, it looked like there was heaps of room.

Joel - October 30th, 2011 at 08:45 PM

Lbug speedos have a bit bigger casing than the flat screen ones so theres alittle bit more room in there but you would just have to crack it open and see how much room you have to play with.

The main clearance problem is with the plastic housing things that the warning light Gels are in.
They create a few shadows in spots.