MGB Removing a speedometer

[Coastalman]

First, I'd like to thank all the forum members who have been helping me as I sort out my '77B. My latest task is to replace the glass in my speedometer . Is there any simple way to remove the instrument? My wife has tried to get her slender hand up under the dash to unscrew the knurled nuts, but cannot reach them. Do I have to take the dash apart to get to the speedo?
Thanks,
Charlie

 

[JPSmit]

with the Midget which is even smaller the easiest solution is to take out the driver's seat and lie on your back. You still need to be a contortionist but at least you can see.

 

[Coastalman]

I just read on another site that the '77-'80 MGBs were twist out speedo and tachs. Does anyone have information on that? I had never heard of that.

 

[YakkoWarner]

I just read on another site that the '77-'80 MGBs were twist out speedo and tachs. Does anyone have information on that? I had never heard of that.

I've never heard of that - I had a 1977 and I'm pretty sure it had the traditional knurled nuts on the back. A small articulated inspection mirror would be able to confirm that. I've gottem them out before - removing the instruments makes it easier to get the nuts that hold the dashboard itself in place free. If you can get your hands to the back of the tach, removing it first might let you reach in through that opening to get the speedo loose.

 

[Coastalman]

That's a good suggestion. I'll try that!

 

[Joe Reed]

You don't have to remove the speedo to replace the glass! You just twist the bezel and it'll come off....then the glass comes out. Installation is the reverse
It's been a long time since I replaced mine but I *think* you rotate the bezel clockwise (maybe 20-30 degrees or so?) to remove it. It may take a bit of effort since it's been on there for a long, long time..

 

[rshaikh00]

You don't have to remove the speedo to replace the glass! You just twist the bezel and it'll come off....then the glass comes out. Installation is the reverse

Yes Like Joe Reed said... ... I tried and this worked on my 74'B

 

[Coastalman]

I have run into a problem with twisting the rim and glass off. The glass has a small black rod coming through the glass at the bottom to reset the tripometer. I think that's what it is called. That rod will not allow me to twist the glass. The rim seems to be bonded with the glass.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hey, Charlie -

The glass and rim have a tiny seal, like an o-ring; probably has become one with them. Might help to spray some solvent lightly around the inside edge of the rim and see if that loosens things up.