Removing RPM/MPH gauge needles

[zeoran]

Does anyone know how to remove the RPM/MPH gauge needles?

God bless,

~Mark

[MikeB]

Removing and then reinstalling the needles is exactly the reason I never entertained the idea of replacing the faces on my '98 or '99 GL1500.
Removing them would be the easy part. Reinstalling them could be catastrophic.
The damage that could be inflicted on a meter movement by applying too much pressure on the needle stem could render the meter useless.
If I were a watch maker or an instrument technician, it would no doubt be simple. Unfortunately, I don't have those skillsets.
I suspect tools similar to what is in the picture below for watch hands would be necesary to prevent damage to the instruments, but I could be wrong.
I may be a bit overly cautious when it comes to analog instrumentation.

[MikeB]

But, then again, it is possible that they just pop off. Since I have never looked too closely at the heads of the needles, they may be held in place with a small screw and the top of the needle may be just a cap that pops off.

When you find out Mark, let us know.

[4given]

But, then again, it is possible that they just pop off. Since I have never looked too closely at the heads of the needles, they may be held in place with a small screw and the top of the needle may be just a cap that pops off.

When you find out Mark, let us know.

I’m pretty sure they don’t just pop off and your are taking a chance on affecting the delicate internals if you apply too much force when trying. I also tried to “unscrew” the “cap”to no avail.

This is a used one I have been keeping. I agree with Mike in that you are taking a chance on harming a perfectly good gauge and good used gauges are becoming rare.

[DenverWinger]

I don't know about where you live, but in Downtown Denver there is a "Speedometer Repair" shop, at least that's what the sign says out front.

If you can find such a place, you might take the assembly down there for advice. I can't imagine a 1500 speedo is that much different from an automotive one.

[ct1500]

And on that note for anyone contemplating instrument cluster repair always wear gloves. Fingerprints left behind on the pristine finished surfaces will be highly visible, thin cotton gloves like the kind folks wear when handling antiques work well.

[dingdong]

There are several vids on youtube regarding speedo and tach face renewal. They all show how to remove the needles. Most use 2 spoons to gently pry them off. The biggest problem I see is re-calibration when replacing the needles. Most gauges have a stop post but without the needle attached where does the mechanism actually come to rest?

[Fiberthree]

This was sent to me from a member on a different forum.

I haven't done anything with mine yet as I'm not sure about the replacement technique. But I know what it looks like now.