repair instructions for a Smith speedo

The lens on my Smith speedo is cracked. I have the repair kit but no instruction on how to get the chrome ring off.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

cbacejr said:

The lens on my Smith speedo is cracked. I have the repair kit but no instruction on how to get the chrome ring off.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Click to expand...

I've used a Dremel to cut off the original bezel when I had a new one to replace it with, but I've also had problems with new bezels, so I prefer to get the old one off in one piece if it's worth re-using.
Using a small flat-bladed screwdriver I've been able to get underneath the original bezel and gradually prise it away from the clock case - not a very straightforward job. Patience is key!

Thanks,

Is there a tool to crimp the new one on?

cbacejr said:

Thanks,

Is there a tool to crimp the new one on?

Click to expand...

The professional way would be to mount the clock in a lathe with a wooden fixture to locate the bezel, and hold it in place with a live centre into the cable socket while slowly turning the clock and applying a roller to the back of the bezel to roll it back into place.

The 'on the bench' method is to hold the clock face down and progressively but firmly press the bezel into place using a brass drift or similar just using hand/body pressure to roll it into position - the results aren't always pretty, but if you're really careful the repair can't be seen once the clock is back in the holder.
Some 'professionals' do it this way, BTW - I have the evidence!

B+Bogus said:

cbacejr said:

The lens on my Smith speedo is cracked. I have the repair kit but no instruction on how to get the chrome ring off.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Click to expand...

Using a small flat-bladed screwdriver I've been able to get underneath the original bezel and gradually prise it away from the clock case - not a very straightforward job. Patience is key!

Click to expand...

To add to this thread. Get a gear-clamp hose clamp and tighten it around near the bezel to protect the paint from scratching by the screwdriver. A couple of wraps of electrical tape under the gear-clamp to pad the paint surface will help as well.
I made a die to swage the crimp over but that involves machining. The lathe trick works good.
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN

The new bezels are soft enough to put on with a hand tool. Like B+ says it's not pretty, but once it's in the holder, you can't see the back. I've done it with a 1/2" socket extension. Just make sure you pad everything that may get scratched.

Part of the secret is to not stretch the metal. Work around the rim slowly a bit at a time making several rounds to minimise rippling.