Upgrading the aesthetics of my speedo

[cyclon36]

Ok, so I had an extra speedo from my parts bike and even though they go for a good bit, I figured I'd keep this one and play around with it so I didn't break mine by accident. I carefully pried open the case and took a look at what was going on. Did some spring adjustments, some cleaning etc. Anyway, here is what I started with. It was parked outdoors for a long time obviously.



I proceeded to take the face off and scan it into a digital image and did a little photoshop work. Here's what I ended up with:



Now, upon cleaning things, I noticed a some details that aren't quite visible without taking this thing apart. The needles are copper and the buttons are actually brass that's been chrome plated. Since both were in bad shape, they both got sanded down with 400 grit to reveal their true selves. I just brushed the brass but polished up the copper.

Then, using the image above, I printed out a quick copy (in black and white since I only have a laserjet at work) and cut it out appropriately. I laid it over the original aluminum plate, put the needles back and rolled it back to 000000 :-).



This is just a quick assembly for demo purposes but its giving me an idea of where to take it. When I choose to make this a more permanent application, I plan on taking a vector of the image to my local vinyl guy so I can get some stencils for painting the graphic on properly. Either that, or getting a matte photo paper and using a UV ink in my home inkjet. Or even better yet, lay the graphics over a frosted plexiglass so that light can shine through the numbers. Lots of ideas, just got to figure out which one to go with.

[brewsky]

Looks good!
And the metal color needles give it a real vintage look.

[LOUD MOUSE]

Got ta love it!. .............lm

Ok, so I had an extra speedo from my parts bike and even though they go for a good bit, I figured I'd keep this one and play around with it so I didn't break mine by accident. I carefully pried open the case and took a look at what was going on. Did some spring adjustments, some cleaning etc. Anyway, here is what I started with. It was parked outdoors for a long time obviously.



I proceeded to take the face off and scan it into a digital image and did a little photoshop work. Here's what I ended up with:



Now, upon cleaning things, I noticed a some details that aren't quite visible without taking this thing apart. The needles are copper and the buttons are actually brass that's been chrome plated. Since both were in bad shape, they both got sanded down with 400 grit to reveal their true selves. I just brushed the brass but polished up the copper.

Then, using the image above, I printed out a quick copy (in black and white since I only have a laserjet at work) and cut it out appropriately. I laid it over the original aluminum plate, put the needles back and rolled it back to 000000 :-).



This is just a quick assembly for demo purposes but its giving me an idea of where to take it. When I choose to make this a more permanent application, I plan on taking a vector of the image to my local vinyl guy so I can get some stencils for painting the graphic on properly. Either that, or getting a matte photo paper and using a UV ink in my home inkjet. Or even better yet, lay the graphics over a frosted plexiglass so that light can shine through the numbers. Lots of ideas, just got to figure out which one to go with.

[davomoto]

Nicely done!

[G-Man]

Cyclon36

Excellent! Nice to see a bit of lateral thinking. I'm going to do something similar to convert a Km/h speedo / tacho to mph for my CB160 project. You can get some really good Vinyl for inkjet printers. I have used it for making stickers to go on the outside of vehicles.

Now if I could just print up new chrome bezels, we would be 'in business'! Actually that's not so far fetched - I think I know how to do it........


G

[cyclon36]

Cyclon36

Excellent! Nice to see a bit of lateral thinking. I'm going to do something similar to convert a Km/h speedo / tacho to mph for my CB160 project. You can get some really good Vinyl for inkjet printers. I have used it for making stickers to go on the outside of vehicles.

Now if I could just print up new chrome bezels, we would be 'in business'! Actually that's not so far fetched - I think I know how to do it........


G

I know what you mean. I was thinking about sanding down the bezel as well. I think it has a brass base judging from the nicks that are on it already. Not sure I want that much brass on my bike though. I'll probably just send it off for rechroming with the rest of my parts when I get to that stage.

BTW, if anybody needs the photoshopped image of the speedo in full res, let me know. I'll be more than happy to share it.

[Spargett]

Crafty. I'm an art director by day so this is right up my alley. You did a great job, that face was long gone! A splash of red when you get it done will bring it all right around. Maybe dip the ends of the needles as well.