Metric Instrument lense - 1956

[Nev68]

Thinking about changing my speedo in the pickup to read kilometres (kmh ), rather than mph.
The instrument lense has the numbers for the speedo printed on it.
I am wondering if I can get a metric version printed



Also thinking I might change ammeter to a volt meter

I assume the lense I have is a repro as I is plastic (polycarbonate?)
Anybody got any idea where I could get something like this done?

[OrrieG]

Two options I can think of. 1) Remove the mph graphics and have a silk screen shop make a reverse screen of the kph and screen it. My wife grew up in a small town in Kansas that has a screen shop that printed most of the 50's and early 60's Ford radio bezels. Her grandfather knew I was interested in cars and introduced me to the guy during a visit in 1974. 2) Remove the mph graphics and have a sign shop do a reverse transfer in kph. Both will require a high resolution graphic file to work with or will charge you for the design if you do not have one.

[1project2many]

It's been a long time, but aren't the numbers in the original lense part of the plastic? Etched in, so to speak? Are the repros the same way?

As I do work with a vinyl graphics shop, I'd source blank poly and have the numbers cut from vinyl.

[_Ogre]

as stated the numbers are etched into the plastic
cut a blank out of lexan and have a trophy shop engrave your new requirements
or do the vinyl sign shop cut out the numbers

i converted my ammeter to a volt gauge, wasn't too difficult
the conversion is in my build thread

[Highsider]

I can't get enough pics of Ogre's Truk.
Cool dash shot, there.

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

It's been a long time, but aren't the numbers in the original lense part of the plastic? Etched in, so to speak? Are the repros the same way?

As I do work with a vinyl graphics shop, I'd source blank poly and have the numbers cut from vinyl.

You are right the numbers etc are "etched" and it looks like the etching has been painted or printed.

Do you think the vinyl numbers would be durable and stick well?

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

as stated the numbers are etched into the plastic
cut a blank out of lexan and have a trophy shop engrave your new requirements
or do the vinyl sign shop cut out the numbers

i converted my ammeter to a volt gauge, wasn't too difficult
the conversion is in my build thread

Thanks Ogre.
I think you are right, I will probably have to cut my own blank.
I saw your volt meter conversion and I would like to to do the same, but if I make a metric speedo lense I thought I might as well replace the "AMPS" with "Volts".

[1project2many]

I'd expect vinyl to be fairly durable. We've had vinyl lettering on the outside of buses for over 15 years without failure. I'd think I'd want it cut in reverse so I could apply it to the inside of the cluster face. I'd also discuss the material with the supplier to try and get something that's opaque or semi-transparent. I'd want it to appear illuminated at night.

[_Ogre]

thanks highsider

i totally agree with the volts face and thought long and hard before i just stuck the stock face on mine.
chances are both an engraver and vinyl cutter will use the same g-code from a dxf file
cut 2 blanks, engrave one, vinyl the other; either one could be color matched to your interior color

another thought... can you just re-gear the trans?
if you make a km face plate, the odometer will still read mph
1.61 km per mile means you'd need to speed up the cable the .61
also means the 100 km/h (62.4 mph) would be the max you could read
but the odometer would also read km

just searched online and found this http://www.partshp.com/speedometer_gears.htm
look for part #54RA2. (from the site) If your truck tires have been switched to larger tires or you just need to speed up your speedometer this one will correct your problem. This part will speed up your speedometer reading. Use this one to convert MPH to Kilometers. Cost $62.00
the $62 fix

[OrrieG]

Yeah Orge good idea, but at 61 MPH it will tap out at 100 KPH, I assume he will want to drive faster then that??

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

thanks highsider

i totally agree with the volts face and thought long and hard before i just stuck the stock face on mine.
chances are both an engraver and vinyl cutter will use the same g-code from a dxf file
cut 2 blanks, engrave one, vinyl the other; either one could be color matched to your interior color

another thought... can you just re-gear the trans?
if you make a km face plate, the odometer will still read mph
1.61 km per mile means you'd need to speed up the cable the .61
also means the 100 km/h (62.4 mph) would be the max you could read
but the odometer would also read km

just searched online and found this http://www.partshp.com/speedometer_gears.htm
look for part #54RA2. (from the site) If your truck tires have been switched to larger tires or you just need to speed up your speedometer this one will correct your problem. This part will speed up your speedometer reading. Use this one to convert MPH to Kilometers. Cost $62.00
the $62 fix

Thanks Ogre.
Yes, I considered re-gearing the speedo drive.. for about 5 seconds.
Our country speed limit is 110 kmh and I hope to be able to do a bit of country cruising and wouldn't want the speedo pegged out.
I am discussing a metric lense with someone at the moment (anyone else interested if I can get it done?)

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Yeah Orge good idea, but at 61 MPH it will tap out at 100 KPH, I assume he will want to drive faster then that??

Yes, I will want to drive a little faster than 100kph

[_Ogre]

that orge guy still posting here

100kph? truck uses all 100mph, i understand. very well
but... you'd be accurate to 61kph and the odometer would be too

[1project2many]

you'd be accurate to 61kph and the odometer would be too

That wasn't a bad idea. But I was wondering, would you adjust the odometer to reflect the current kilometerage at the time of the swap? Or would you leave it as is and have to do the math?

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

That wasn't a bad idea. But I was wondering, would you adjust the odometer to reflect the current kilometerage at the time of the swap? Or would you leave it as is and have to do the math?

To be honest I hadn't really considered the odometer, but I am willing to live with it.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

that orge guy still posting here

I checked but think wrong spelling is in auto correct....

[Russell Ashley]

Here's an option if you aren't set on keeping the original style instruments.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/55-56-57-58-...3ed4d3&vxp=mtr

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

Here's an option if you aren't set on keeping the original style instruments.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/55-56-57-58-...3ed4d3&vxp=mtr

Thanks but really like to keep the original look

[Lextech]

Just an idea----What about having two thin glass plates cut out on a water jet. Have one silk screened or vinyl lettered and lay the other piece on top of it. Then install it into its bezel.

Jeff

[55dude]

were TF truck speedometers done in km up in Canada? maybe somebody up north has one for pattern?

[1project2many]

were TF truck speedometers done in km up in Canada? maybe somebody up north has one for pattern?

Prior to '77, Canadian mileage was actually measured in miles.

[_Ogre]

those canucks must be smarter than us americans to convert to metrics

[67GMCkid]

Mexico and South America had KH in the 50's so look south of the border for a used one..

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by 67GMCkid

Mexico and South America had KH in the 50's so look south of the border for a used one..

Good idea, I'll see if I can see anything on eBay.
I am talking to an instrument business now and it seems like they can make a lense but I am still making sure we are talking about the same thing.

[coralhead]

If you are going to go metric then you might as well go the full route and change the oil presure to kilopascals as well