Speedo swap advice

[kerryb]

I want to switch speedos to keep the mileage correct. The question concerns the use of the speed sensor wiring. My '83 standard doesn't have the same control unit as the '83 interstate. In fact, I can't figure out why the standard has a speed sensor at all! Can I swap 'em and not connect that sensor and still get basic functions? I'm looking forward to having an overdrive light, and don't mind the loss of self-cancelling blinkers.

 

[slabghost]

Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dan filipi]

My guess is the speedo on the standard was changed out at some time, but there shouldn't be any problems swapping them.

 

[bronko37]

If the interstate has a factory radio the speed sensor wire could be for the volume control unit. My 84 Aspencade has this unit and it automagically raises the volume when a certain speed is hit to cancel out some of the wind noise. Tha'ts my only guess on why that wire is there. Other than that, it should work just fine bolt for bolt switch.

 

[kerryb]

That's it! The volume control! thanks to all. I'm just gonna label the loose ends and run it.

 

[AApple]

Mine is just the opposite..I have a later speedo head with all the extra wiring, but none of it is connected..only the back lighting bulbs. All the other wires are just tucked out of the way.

 

[kerryb]

The more I researched, the more puzzling it was. The mfg date on the standard is Feb, '83, but it follows the wiring diagram for an '82 standard with 6 wires coming out the back plus lighting wires and all the wires are connected according to plan. the mfg date on the interstate is sept. '83, all wires are to '83 interstate plan and there are only 2 wires plus lighting.

p.s. anyone know which years had the 85 mph speedo as stock?

 

[joedrum]

its an 82 speedo model with 85 mph on ...regs even made manufacturers put speedos on that were a joke ...you think the highly paid fools could find more fruitful things to do ..than just screw with things that mean nothing ...

 

[mcgovern61]

kerryb » Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:13 pm[/url]":3es2esxz]
The more I researched, the more puzzling it was. The mfg date on the standard is Feb, '83, but it follows the wiring diagram for an '82 standard with 6 wires coming out the back plus lighting wires and all the wires are connected according to plan. the mfg date on the interstate is sept. '83, all wires are to '83 interstate plan and there are only 2 wires plus lighting.

p.s. anyone know which years had the 85 mph speedo as stock?

On the '82 speedo, the speed sensor has two functions, self cancelling turn signal and also for the air shock low pressure light which triggers above 10-12 MPH. The balance of the wires are for lights.

 

[kerryb]

Thanks McGovern, now all those wires make more sense. I wondered why the bulb in the air pressure system only worked half-right in the shop. Now that the gauges are switched I plan to use the air pressure wire to illuminate the overdrive light in the new Tach.

I opened up the tach to oil the shaft, works much better now, but I got oil on the face. Anybody got a favorite cleaner for the plastic tach face?

 

[bronko37]

Dish soap n warm water...