Corvette odometer not working? Is the speedometer needle jumping or broken completely? Is your speedometer is noisy or squealing? Or maybe your Corvette speedometer is just looking tired? Whatever your speedometer issue, can help! We have all of the parts, equipment, and experience to repair or restore your Corvette speedometer. In fact, Corvette speedometer repair, rebuild, and restoration is a specialty here at Corvette Specialties of MD West!
Jump to: C1 Speedometers, C2 Speedometers, C3 Speedometers
Typical problems with Corvette Speedometers
Speedometers that are 50, 60, or almost 70 years old need to be rebuilt, period. It doesn’t matter what the mileage reads, time is what really contributes to many problems. Lubricants that were used when these units were assembled deteriorate and turn to a wax like substance. Most of the time when we disassemble a unit that has never been serviced it is nearly dry. The magnet, or first worm, is turned by the cable at a high rate of speed, so parts will wear out. Gears will wear (see worn magnet below) and eventually strip, and failure occurs. Unfortunately, repair is not just a matter of replacing the second and third worm gears. Corvette owners who are familiar with the distributor side gear arrangement will understand it would be easy to change one gear, but the outcome is not good when replacing a driven gear without the main drive gear. The magnet is what drives these gears, and those magnets also wear out. We have the necessary special tools and calibration equipment needed to replace worn magnets. It is also important to thoroughly inspect the frame that houses the magnet. AC speedometer began using an oilite bushing for the magnet some time in the 1962 model year and we have the bushings and tools needed to replace it! There is also a hole for the second worm gear that can wear, so when this happens we replace the frames. The frame must pass inspection to prevent premature failure.
1957 Speedometer frame & magnet. Note magnet is dry. Grease dries up resulting in no lubrication. This unit needs rebuilding.
Some owners are able to repair and service multiple components on their Corvette, but in order to properly service your speedometer you will need a magnetizer, demagnetizer, calibration machine, and specialized equipment to properly install the first worm (magnet). If you do not have the necessary skills and equipment to repair these units, then many things can go wrong. In fact, we often receive units for repair that someone has attempted to repair on their own!
Common Issues in 1953-1962 Speedometers
1959-1962 Speedometer Inner Bezel. Note the paint is cracked and peeling.
Let’s face it, these are old cars and unfortunately time does not overlook speedometers. Any 1953-1962 C1 Corvette speedometers that have not been professionally serviced surely need it! Typical problems would include a loud squeal or a pointer that jumps wildly and often snaps. This happens as the magnet spins in an aluminum housing without an oil-impregnated bronze bushing. Often the lubricant has degraded and failure occurs. Another common issue is the speed cup. C1 Corvette speedometers used a speed cup that was soldered together, though revision improved the design in very early 60’s. Simply stated, the shaft that holds the pointer becomes disconnected and the speed cup must be repaired or replaced.
You may have a speedometer that needs repair and not a complete restoration. For example, the car may be a “survivor” or unrestored, etc. We certainly understand and will accommodate the owner in most cases. However, your 1953-1962 case-mounted speedometer may be an exception. Often the housing and inner plates will have paint that flakes and peels when disassembled. In these situations, Corvette Specialties of MD West will media blast the old paint and repaint these finishes to their original colors. Otherwise, the paint flakes will be loose in the case and visible when reassembled.
1953-1962 C1 Corvette Speedometer Restoration
- 1953-1958: $165.00 Base Labor. All parts and refacing extra; see below.
- 1959-1962: $145.00 Base Labor. All parts and refacing extra; see below.
- Includes complete disassembly, repaint housing inside and out, rebuild or replace internal mechanism, clean, test, expert reassembly and calibration with exacting detail.
- We try to reuse as many original parts as possible, replacing them only when necessary.
- +$24.00 Refinishing of lens backplate, if necessary (applies to 53-58).
- +$45.00 Refacing if requested/necessary (applies to 59-62).
We stock quality reproduction chrome bezels and correct odometers for these speedometers, which would be an additional charge to the above prices. Shop our restoration parts for current pricing.- Typical completed cost $350.00-$550.00, including parts.
- Turn-around times vary based on our current work in-house. Contact us for more information.
- Can’t wait for your speedometer to be restored? We offer Restored Original Speedometers for purchase!
- Ready to send your parts for restoration? Please be sure to include a copy of our Restoration Order Form!
- Check out our Packing & Shipping Tips to give your parts the best chance of reaching us safely!
We reface tired 1959-1962 Speedometer Faces White or Green
Common Issues in 1963 & Later Speedometers
Corvette began using a trip odometer in the 1963 model year. This is where the fun began. Commonly, the 1963-1967 Corvette speedometer would experience an odometer failure between 40,000 and 60,000 miles, though the speedometer would continue to operate just fine in most cases. Some other issues that arise are a pointer that jumps erratically, an audible squeal, or a complete breakdown. Professional Corvette Speedometer service is needed. Our services are comprehensive and include odometer repair.
1963-1967 C2 Corvette Speedometer Restoration
1964 Corvette Speedometer
- $105.00 Base Labor. All parts and refacing extra; see below.
- Includes complete disassembly, rebuild or replace internal mechanism, clean, test, expert reassembly and calibration with exacting detail.
- We try to reuse as many original parts as possible, replacing them only when necessary.
- +$55.00 Total Odometer replacement
- Trip odometers in short supply, prices will vary.
- +$75.00 additional for 1967 speed-warning Speedometer
- Typical completed cost: $190.00-$275.00, including parts.
- Turn-around times vary based on our current work in-house. Contact us for more information.
- Can’t wait for your speedometer to be restored? We offer Restored Original Speedometers for purchase!
- Ready to send your parts for restoration? Please be sure to include a copy of our Restoration Order Form!
- Check out our Packing & Shipping Tips to give your parts the best chance of reaching us safely!
- Thinking about restoring your entire 63-67 gauge cluster? Click here for our gauge cluster restoration services.
1963 Speedometer and Tachometer Drag the slider to see before and after
A good magnet, or first worm, and a worn part. Replacing second and third worm gears with a worn magnet will not solve the inoperative odometer problem!
Many different issues can cause odometer failure. This 1963-1964 Speedometer has a worn third worm hole in the dial. (Circled)
This part is called a jewel plate. The jewel cup is in the center. Note the enlarged hole in the jewel cup. The speed cup that holds the pointer rides in this cup. Wear like this can contribute to a “wobble” in the pointer.
1968-1977 C3 Corvette Speedometer Restoration
- $105.00 Base Labor. All parts and refacing extra; see below.
- Includes complete disassembly, rebuild or replace internal mechanism, clean, test, expert reassembly and calibration with exacting detail.
- We try to reuse as many original parts as possible, replacing them only when necessary.
- +$55.00 For total odometer replacement
- Trip odometers in short supply, prices will vary.
- +$20.00 Restore backplate.
- +$90.00 Restore inner and outer bezels, if included.
- +$75.00 additional for 68-69 speed-warning Speedometers.
- Important Note: You must leave your speed-warning Speedometer installed in its complete housing (including backplate, bezels, & lens) when sending for restoration/repair. They are extremely fragile and shipping them open-faced often causes damage to the very hard to find parts.
- Typical completed cost: $190.00-$275.00, including parts.
- PLEASE NOTE: We do not repair/restore 1978 and up Speedometers.
- Turn-around times vary based on our current work in-house. Contact us for more information.
- Ready to send your parts for restoration? Please be sure to include a copy of our Restoration Order Form!
- Check out our Packing & Shipping Tips to give your parts the best chance of reaching us safely!
The AC Division of General Motors manufactured Corvette speedometers using a series “W” style frame. Though the appearance has varied through the years, the mechanisms are very much alike.
1966 Speedometer has a worn second worm hole. New gears alone will not fix this unit!
Many different issues can cause odometer failure. Outside view of this worn second worm hole. Hole is oblong and gear will not contact magnet properly.
