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wct
USA
41 Posts |
 Posted - 31/08/2021 : 18:40:15
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My J2 speedometer has been in storage with bezel removed since 1975. Recently, I dismantled the unit for cleaning, new bearings and re-lube. I should post photo of my dirty hands after cleaning the internals!
But, now the bezel will not fit onto the 4.7" (~120MM) diameter housing. Really have to warp the retaining band out of shape and will split open if continued. Seems the housing may have grown in diameter?...doubtful, still close to brass face plate in diameter. The housing is in excellent condition except is some warped due to over tightening the four mounting studs.
I see mention of 'classicbezels.com' on prior postings on bezels but can not raise them on a net search. Nor any other supplier.
Solutions, suggestions or rumors appreciated.
Santa Clara, California
J2 3343
Bill Traill |
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LewPalmer
USA
3209 Posts |
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wct
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - 31/08/2021 : 23:44:22
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Thank you Lew. I will make inquiry to them.
Bill Traill |
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ARP
United Kingdom
42 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2021 : 08:48:55
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HI
Don,t waste your time very poor service
william
W.Mckenzie |
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sam christie
United Kingdom
3056 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2021 : 11:55:06
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"Seems the housing may have grown in diameter?"
Sadly some speedometer bodies really do expand with age. Splits are caused as seen on the examples below.
This is the decay in a more advanced state -
Unless Smiths used a superior alloy for J2 speedometers it is hard to see why, as time goes by, they should not be subject to same worsening problems.
Does anyone know of any way to stop or delay this deterioration ?
Sam |
Edited by - sam christie on 01/09/2021 17:01:47 |
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wct
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2021 : 16:58:45
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Hi Sam,
Some zinc base diecast items from the early days varied a lot in survive-ability depending on the composition...read this in a car mag some years ago. Some manufacturers got it right, some not; even batch to batch.
Perhaps 3D printing will soon be less costly and these instrument housings can be duplicated.
...........
The bezel retaining band seemed to be tightly seated into the decorative ring; I tried to seat it deeper without success.
"When all else fails...THINK" my father would always say. I forgot to 'think' this time.
I removed the retaining band and discovered much crud and detritus per photo. Cleaning and scraping allowed the retaining ring to seat a little deeper afterall. Still not a perfect fit but good enough. Would have to expand the fold-over to do better, but then the chrome may not survive.
Bill Traill |
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Moth eaten
Australia
939 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2021 : 08:14:52
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This can be restored, its the die cast metal that expands.
The original bezel can also be restored.
You need a good eye a lot of empathy, and the knowledge to use the right materials and application
If you think about it all, its logical.
N.D.Willey |
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Roger Cadogan
United Kingdom
486 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2021 : 21:20:31
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I understand that "Classic Bezels" have ceased trading. I think it was a health problem, if anyone wishes to contradict this I am more than pleased to apologise. In the past I have had good service and in fact bought the prototype J2 bezel.
Roger |
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sam christie
United Kingdom
3056 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2021 : 21:41:24
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I am not sure if his business was "Classic Bezels" but a chap named John Chadwick produced J2 bezels. Sadly John has passed on. John's business was sold and is now in the hands of 'British Gauge.' Their website is www.britishgauge.com . They were able to help me with a J2 bezel.
Sam |
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LewPalmer
USA
3209 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2021 : 23:24:22
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Thanks for letting us know the new supplier, Sam. I used to order bezels from Classic Bezels, but have been unable to locate them since. Hopefully BGBM is more responsive than Auto Electrical Spares with whom I placed an order over 2 months ago with no response other than the initial acceptance of my order. No email, no answer of their phone, and certainly no shipment of my order.
Lew Palmer
PA1169, 2M1281, NA0651 |
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Roger Cadogan
United Kingdom
486 Posts |
Posted - 06/09/2021 : 19:28:37
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Sam, "Classic Bezels" run buy John Chadwick was the source of my prototype bezel. Sad to have the confirmation about John.
Roger |
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LewPalmer
USA
3209 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2021 : 19:04:31
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After over 2 months with no response to my emails and having been charged by Auto Electrical Spares for a bezel and shipping, I filed a complaint with PayPal. To their credit, Auto Electrical Spares issued a refund. I have since contacted British Gauge about my need for a 5 inch tach bezel. Unfortunately, they are having trouble getting them chromed. So still no joy.
Lew Palmer
PA1169, 2M1281, NA0651 |
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