Is this an original speedometer?

I am working on the new dash of my 55 CJ5.

I do not have a lot of experience with seeing original speedometers in early Jeeps.

Does this look accurate for a 1955? I know someone has made a bad attempt at fixing the pointer.

Were there several different configurations?

Can anyone point me to where I might find more info about the original type used in the 1955?

 

I believe this is correct for early '55 since it has "Willys" in script and the speed goes to "10". Late '55 the numbers go to "8" or so I've been told.

Later speedos (after '55) have a more plain face w/o the "Willys" logo.

Use 'Search' on this site for more info and photos posted in past discussions.

 

Ok, thank you. For some reason, I find the search function on this forum to be not very robust.

I type in the best terms I can come up with and I get nothing or I get 8000 posts none of which have to do with anything.

Not complaining, just telling you why I post on what I guess are things that have been covered.

Thanks for the help!!

 

It's the same unit that was used in the Aero Willys.

 

Anyway it is a beautiful one, I hope that it works well.

 

Thanks for the tip, I was probably being too specific and sometimes too broad, but under your suggestion, I was trying too many search terms.

Now I wonder how I can fix the pointer, if that is what it is called, maybe I can find one.

I do like the idea of keeping this speedometer as it has the vintage charm I am shooting for with the whole Jeep.

 

The speedometer and odometer part work well.

The fuel and temp gauge did not work.

I have a 12 volt system that someone else put together before I bought this Jeep, so when I get to the wiring, I will need to figure it all out and possibly make a custom harness for it. I look forward to the challenge, as I consider that like a big puzzle and it is rewarding for me to work on.

 

Fuel and temp gauge : took me a lot of time to fix... and not working well. You must have a perfect negative contact on the body.
Probably the 2 gauges are linked together to give the good data.

for the temp, I have a direct military gauge on the dash, so I know really the temp. For the fuel, it works bad and I have a 1 gallon tank under my seat, in case of... bad reading. I wish you good luck.
If I need a really good gauge, I'll buy one (for boats tanks) and make a hole in my tank to fix it, with a reading on the dash!

 

That speedo is a King-Seeley and was also used in a Willys Aero, though the outer rim was different and had convex glass in a bit smaller diameter than that used on the CJ. There is often a manufacturer's date on the back of the inner face that may help tell if it is original to your jeep. That needle in your pictures is way too short too.
-Donny

 

If the needle is unbalanced I think it may cause incorrect readings.

 

Good tip.

I actually was able to research and find a place that has not only one but two correct NOS pointers.

Here is a picture of what the gentleman sent me.

They aren't cheap, but I want to spend the extra time on the dash of this Jeep. I am pretty sure these pointers are in short supply.

Also as a tip, for anyone who has not had one of these apart. My dial was all dusty and had a smudge on it.

I was going to clean it a little and luckily I did a test on the face. A very small section of the white on the numbers smudged with just a moistened Q tip. I was able to remove the smudge and it did not affect mine.

The gentleman told me that if you use liquid to clean the face the numbers will literally wipe off.

Here is what he sold me, and I am sending a check today.

 

The needle in your picture is the correct piece! I never thought you would find a NOS one - good job.
Did you find a date on the back of the dial face?
-Donny

 

Here is the date on the back of the face as you said it would be.

 

I didn't think so either. I was already starting to think of plan b. I just got lucky!

 

I found for the best search options is to use Google. Type site:www.earlycj5.net followed by what you're looking for and the search engine only looks at this website.


Oops, sorry someone beat me to it!

 

I agree though, that is the best way, I was typically searching from within the site, and I wasn't having much luck.

Got it covered now though!

Thanks!