Refurbishing Gauges

[TrailCub]

The gauges on my CB1 are very sun-faded but otherwise seem to function fine. Aside from looking a bit ratty, they are next to impossible to read at night, so I'd like to fix that.

I found an ebay auction from www.newtacho.de that had new overlays for about $40 shipped.  Apparently they also offer customization of the graphics. Has anyone here tried this or a similar product?

[uglygit]

I spent a little time looking into buying some new dials but could found the kph ones only,

I had then planned to have vinyl overlays made to stick on to a new piece of clear plastic with new digits and maybe some graphics etc

The problem was getting a picture of a mph dial in increments of 10 20 30 etc (UK gauges) to use as a template, the u.s. and German spec clocks come in 15 25 35 etc, I know some CB1' have a u.k. compatible dial (with kph as secondary too) but as I said I just can't find a picture of one I did have a go at marking up a template myself with the old protractor but I just gave up in the end.

I have a few mocked up kph dials printed out somewhere with various skulls, flames, Honda wings etc and some in different colours, If i can find them to scan (or the usb stick that the originals are on) I will post the pics.

[Samuichris]

Hi all,
i just ordered these replacement dials, worked out at 25 GBP, delivered to Thailand.
Decided on these, as opposed to the full clock set, mainly because i think the white dials will look smart with the new white paintwork on the bike.
I'll post up the pics once they're on.

[xstreamcanadian]

trailcub, so you have these in your hot little hands? i am also in vancouver and wonder what you paid for them shipped? they would look nice with those chinese chrome covers i think


oops i just re read your post, 40 bones got it

[Samuichris]

Ok,
these dials arrived at my office yesterday. So it was off home to get them fitted.

On first inspection they looked a bit on the thin side, & when i opened the clockset i saw that they are, the original dials are about 1mm thick,
whereas these are probably no thicker than photograph paper.
This made fitting of the needle stop post near impossible as it moved about.
Also, installation is made difficult because you have to remove the needle pointers, not easy after 20 odd years.
My first attemp resulted in the pointer shooting into the air & over the balcony into the grass...
2nd attempt was a bit better, but it's very easy to break these.
When refitting the needle to the tacho i pushed it on, checked it, pushed a little more... Snap!!,  Bollocks!!
The shaft snapped right where it goes into the unit, no chance of repair..

Anyway, i carried on as i need the clocks refitted to the bike, (minus a working tacho). Got them in finally & they look ok but i have to say the night illumination is rubbish.
& because the -1 has a white needle, it's not easy to read, would recommend anyone doing this conversion to get the needle painted flouro red.

All in all, i would say that the replacement clocks on ebay represent a better deal, just plug & play. This job is a right fiddly bastard.

Pics to follow.

[Samuichris]

Here ya go....

[xstreamcanadian]

it looks good from far.... I replaced faces on a couple of sets before, on another bike, and I know what you mean about the needles going flying. I used two bread knives one on either side, to gently pry upwards. I also put a small shop rag over top while prying. I learned this the same way you did, by destroying one set.... I also used a very small brush and got some orange dayglo spray paint and just touched up the tip of the needles, so they stood out

[a_morti]

For reference, two teaspoons is the best tool for needle removal. Plastic ones if you have them! (take from the works canteen!)

[Samuichris]

Yep, i used 2 spoons. they came off ok, eventually...
It was getting the tacho one back on that was the problem.

[xstreamcanadian]

well I prefer the butter knives. more control. anyone voting for forks?

[Tweed]

I was thinking of a fix to my mph to km/hr, but see that definitely would not be worth the hassle unless they were totally unreadable! (not unlike the km/h part of the speedo in anything but direct sunligt is totally unreadable)
you're both braver than me!
Dan

[Samuichris]

Update;
with regard to the broken tacho, i know the chances of finding a 2nd hand one are more than remote.
So, i began thinking about the spare one i have for another bike, Yamaha TDR.
It's smaller then the -1 one, but the guts just might be similar, ( i only need the shaft really).

So, i set about taking it apart, not easy as the face is a very tight push fit. One sliced finger later i got the cover off.
Well well, its almost the same inside, the difference being the small circuit board on the back, which is connected by 1 black & 1 red wire.
Chopped the wires & refixed to the other unit, put it all back together & hey presto, a repaired unit.

Total cost = nothing. (Well, some spilt blood & a sore finger).

Today, i'll put it back on the bike & see if it works ok...

[xstreamcanadian]

true recycling, nice work man!

[Samuichris]

Shite pic, but here they are..

[Samuichris]

Or this