How do you change odometer numbers?

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nitronut

nitronut

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A while back I purchased a used 69 instrument cluster to use for spare parts. (Wiper switch, headlight switch, speedometer, etc.). I need to change the speedometer cable hookup on the back of the speedometer currently on the car because the end housing is cracked and the speedometer cable won't attach. I have taken the odometer/ speedometer assembly out of the backup and want to install it in the car. While doing this I want to set the odometer miles to reflect the actual miles on the completed car rebuild. I have the odometer piece out and can't figure out how to set the numbers. I can get the numbers lined up but how do you set them before installing it back in place on the speedometer. This is a 1969 Plymouth Valiant which has been completely rebuilt...I want the odometer to reflect the miles since installing a new motor, trans, brakes, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 

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I will be surprised if anyone has ever done that.
Not that there is anything necessarily "wrong" with it.
As you know, these cars are 40 years old and replacing the whole cluster is many times necessary for goodness sakes.
Actually I'm thinking that you may be asking for a malfunction if you start messing with it.
I'd put in in and pray it works, period.
 
Purple Haze said:
I'll take the 5th.
Click to expand...

And you should since changing odometer readings is illegal. :D
Now that being said, I have done it as well as a few associates.

There is a clip on the end of the roller barrel and they just sort of unstack.
Note the little cogs between them and be gentle and you'll probably be fine, as it's actually simpler than it seems.
 
Don't forget that they sell the sticker overlays to cover them too.
 
70dustah said:
Don't forget that they sell the sticker overlays to cover them too.
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You're right, and that would be a lot simpler and safer for the unit.
Just stick them all on at zero and done deal.
 
It's actually quite easy once you figure out the sequence. I did it just a few weeks ago myself. You'll need to start at the left and work your way toward the 1/10ths. Hold the left most metal ring and spin the number immediately to the right until the number to the left is where you want it. Continue through the rest of the digits the same way. You'll likely screw up a few times and end up with your 0 turning back into a 1, requiring you start from scratch, but you'll figure it out none the less.

Much easier to experiment with some trial and error than it is to explain.
 
69dartV02 said:
It's actually quite easy once you figure out the sequence. I did it just a few weeks ago myself. You'll need to start at the left and work your way toward the 1/10ths. Hold the left most metal ring and spin the number immediately to the right until the number to the left is where you want it. Continue through the rest of the digits the same way. You'll likely screw up a few times and end up with your 0 turning back into a 1, requiring you start from scratch, but you'll figure it out none the less.

Much easier to experiment with some trial and error than it is to explain.
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2X,, did that on my 67,,, how are you with a Rubrics Cube. LOL
 
Thanks for the replies.....especially 69 dartVO2. I tried doing it the way you explained it and it worked! Thanks a million!
 

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69dartV02 said:
It's actually quite easy once you figure out the sequence. I did it just a few weeks ago myself. You'll need to start at the left and work your way toward the 1/10ths. Hold the left most metal ring and spin the number immediately to the right until the number to the left is where you want it. Continue through the rest of the digits the same way. You'll likely screw up a few times and end up with your 0 turning back into a 1, requiring you start from scratch, but you'll figure it out none the less.

Much easier to experiment with some trial and error than it is to explain.
Click to expand...

Thank you so very much! I tried it the way you explained and it worked! Took a couple tries but got it done....Thanks a million!
 

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From the pic it looks like the slotted metal tabs are in the wrong location. But then again I could just be seeing things.
 
They may be because I've never done this. They are lined up at the top of the number opening and the other end is on the bottom. (There are two metal slots - one on each end of the tab). I had all the numbers at 0 including the tenths and turned where the cable hooks up until it got to 1 mile...it seems to be working o.k. but now you've got me a little concerned...
 
If the slots on the other end at the bottom are fitted over the metal bracket they are right.
They just look out of alignment with each other at the top hard to really tell by the pics.
 
Yes, they are....Whew! I took and posted a couple photos of the same angle. The first was at the beginning of the post before I lined up the numbers. In any event, the slots are fitted over the metal bracket on the bottom. Thanks!
 
how long would it take to turn over with a 600 RPM drill? I think I actually worked this out once....like forever: If it follows the 1000 revs per mile 'standard' that 600 rpm drill is like going 36 mph! Now hook it to a Dremel and watch the miles fly by.....
 
On these old rides changing the odometer reading is maybe not a good practice but if you sale and mark the title as correct miles that's were you would be doing something illegal. as long as the appropriate box is checked there's nothing illegal about it.
 
I need to do the same to mine since I restored my valiant and everything is new now. I gave it new life and think the speedo should reflect it.
 
69dartV02 said:
It's actually quite easy once you figure out the sequence. I did it just a few weeks ago myself. You'll need to start at the left and work your way toward the 1/10ths. Hold the left most metal ring and spin the number immediately to the right until the number to the left is where you want it. Continue through the rest of the digits the same way. You'll likely screw up a few times and end up with your 0 turning back into a 1, requiring you start from scratch, but you'll figure it out none the less.

Much easier to experiment with some trial and error than it is to explain.
Click to expand...
Yep. That.
 
"And you should since changing odometer readings is illegal."

Isn't mileage exempt on cars after so many years. Face it, these 40/50/60 year old cars, have rolled the odometer at least once, and many 2 or 3 times.
 
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