Smiths Speedometer

Post by **jgunson** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:52 pm

I have a 1961 Traveller (948cc) and I'm not sure that the speedo is the correct one. Anybody know how to distinguish between those fitted to the various engine/diff combinations? Which cars were the speedos with a gold face used?

Post by **Welung666** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:08 am

For your car it should be the bronze faced speedo and marked with SN4477/80 on the face.

Post by **jgunson** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:58 pm

I guess i need to look for a replacement speedo then!

Post by **RogerRust** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:38 am

You need to check what Diff you have fitted. I jacked up a wheel. put a dab of paint on the prop shaft and the tyre then turned the wheel one complete revolution.

Less than 4 and a half turns of the prop = late diff
4 and a half turns = 4.55 = early diff, which you should have with the 948 engine.

Post by **Willie** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 3:04 pm

If you have the black faced speedo' on your 948 and the fuel gauge works ok then, if you fit the proper bronze faced unit you will have to change the petrol tank sender unit too. The bronze faced speedos need tank sender units which have a nut on the terminal, not a Lucar push on type.

Post by **jgunson** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:16 pm

My fuel gauge works, the speedo has 90 mph on it and the car seems to be going slower than indicated although I haven't checked it with my GPS yet. I guess I need a fuel sender as well then. Thanks for the tip on checking the diff, I'll try that this weekend.

Post by **alex_holden** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 8:01 pm

jgunson wrote:the car seems to be going slower than indicated

It seems to be fairly normal for car speedometers to read about 10% higher than the real speed.

Post by **Willie** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 2:57 pm

Igunson, before you buy a different speedo it would be wise to confirm,
the engine size, the gearbox type,( 1098cc gearbox has a ribbed casing),
and the diff ratio. Then you can obtain the correct type. If your speedo says you are going faster than you are then it suggests that you have the original 948cc type diff ratio of 4.55-1. There are at least three bronze faced speedos which would suit this diff ratio.

Post by **jgunson** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:10 pm

Willie,
What do you mean by there are at least three bronze faced speedos that will do? I've taken a pot shot at one on ebay for £1.50 that looks similar to the pictures in the manual and has SN4477. I was told the engine is a 948 but I've not checked the numbers yet. It definitely has a 948 smooth gearbox. The diff I don't know yet but I'm going to dismantle it and service as necessary or replace if its the wrong ratio.

Post by **Willie** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:18 pm

the various serial numbers for the bronze faced 948cc cars with 4.55-1
ratios are: SN4451/15, SN4407/00, SN4477/00. There are other numbers which are indicated for saloons and convertibles but I am not aware of any difference between these and the Travellers. The only otherone listed with SN4477/number followed by 10is not suitable for the 4.55-1 diff unit.