Recommendation on Smiths Repair Station

T120R said:

my experience with Bob from Ebay

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Hope it works out but a year later is a long time if no tracking information was provided at the time or post without tracking was used.

I saw the eBay auctions ($399 reserve outright) for Norton gauges,contacted 'Bob asking if I could get a set but with the mileage set to match that on my 71 Fastback.
(I never could understand why anyone would set a bike back to zero when they knew the mileage even on a restoration)

I got a reply saying it was no problem and the cost was the eBay reserve plus post,not bad considering gauges can cost over $100 each in nice condition but unknown if they work or will do so long term)
He has cores,says he rebuilds them so setting the mileage would not be a problem ?

I pay via paypal/visa advise him,all good,some weeks later I notice my Visa has a credit for the amount of around $450,no reason why,no contact.
I email asking if there was some problem but never get a reply.
I ended up getting a set off the eBay auction (zeroed) for the same cost.
They look OK but as others have also said since the crimping is very average,I have never used them.

I was somewhat suspicious,if you are stripping and rebuilding a gauge and have auctions to have your own gauges done then setting mileage or retaining it should be easy.
Maybe there is a law against setting a mileage to a non original gauge but that would not apply to a sent in unit.

DogT said:

The bezel will have to be cut off, no way around that. I'm sure someone will chime in here, I heard of someone on ebay I think that was doing them for a real reasonable price and the results were good. I'd do it myself, but it's up to you. They're not magic and the parts are available.

Dave
69S

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How do you replace the bezel once you cut it off. I have some scapes on mine.

I just installed a few new bezels. It took only minutes and turned out very well.

I used the butt end of a hard plastic screwdriver handle. (Snap-On)

steady even pressure working my way around.

I started with a 4 point initial holding crimp then a few full rotations and it was done.

You would be hard pressed to tell the difference from a factory crimp.

dennisgb said:

How do you replace the bezel once you cut it off. I have some scapes on mine.

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You cannot use the old bezel, get new bezels and the back is soft enough to press against the back of the clock. I used a 4" long 1/2" extension, but bwolfie may be right to use a soft plastic screwdriver back. I did mine starting on one side and then working around in a 180 degree fashion.

You tell me which one has been repaired?



Only way one can tell is by looking at where it's been crimped on the back.

bwolfie said:

You would be hard pressed to tell the difference from a factory crimp.

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Post a picture then,most crimps are rolled down with the fascia of the bezel in a machined groove.
That way pressure can be applied when the edge is rolled in to place and the finish is not wrinkled.
The Bob crimp is very average but out of site (thankfully) I think the good bezel kits are coming out to New Zealand ?

Mine look pretty bad on the back side, but it's covered with the holder. Eh. Worth the price of the 'roller'.

Time Warp said:

bwolfie said:

You would be hard pressed to tell the difference from a factory crimp.

Click to expand...

Post a picture then,most crimps are rolled down with the fascia of the bezel in a machined groove.
That way pressure can be applied when the edge is rolled in to place and the finish is not wrinkled.
The Bob crimp is very average but out of site (thankfully) I think the good bezel kits are coming out to New Zealand ?

Click to expand...

Once installed in a gauge cup it looks the same as an original.


Just setting in the cup loosly

Time Warp said:

T120R said:

my experience with Bob from Ebay

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" Hope it works out but a year later is a long time if no tracking information was provided at the time or post without tracking was used."





I have all my documents to inlcude proof of shipping and payment.....he has provided nothing back but his word that they were restored/shipped. There really is very little I can do but get the word out and though I do not want to harp on this to much, I also do not want anyone else losing parts or money.

Joel Levine in Atlanta. 8 years, probably 40+ meters with 100%

Mark Bohman from Ohio..He did one and the most he charges is $160 each..513-367-6402...No money until the speedo is done and returned to you..You cannot tell the thing has been open..Great job on the crimping and fast turn around.....Highly recommend..The guy in Oregon is not very good..poor crimping and questionable repairs..

I had Palo Alto Speedometer fix my tach a couple years ago - service wasn't exactly fast, but it was perfect when I got it back. Looked like it had never been opened and the needle is rock steady, not even a hint of a wobble. I think it was around $200 with shipping.

TC was your tacho needle jumping all over the place?
My speedo jumps about around 30 MPH then smoothes out around 70-75 I'm just wondering if it's due to the same problem you had with your Tacho? The cable run is nice and smooth with no sharp bends and the only other thing it could be is the drive.

Cheers
Mac.