JBugs - 1971 VW Super Beetle - VDO Speedometer Programming

[@YouHeckinBetcha]

Very easy to understand. I have followed these instructions and after I drive the 1 mile it says error. I’m not sure what to do now.

[@Sam_Mebane]

You may not be getting a signal to the speedometer from which ever sending unit you are using.

[@YouHeckinBetcha]

@@Sam_Mebane I’m using the proper sending unit. Maybe it’s faulty and I should purchase a new one. It’s worth a shot.

[@tomheid1855]

I'm sorry if I missed it, but is there a video or another page that shows the dash gauges? There are a few more on your car than came with my '71. Please if you would, show me the way.

[@Sam_Mebane]

We installed them when we installed the new dashboard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2KlmpeCmKakeLc

[@reedrobertson5839]

did this get answered? I replicated the set up and have the gauges - now don't know where all the signals are coming from... this would be a great teaching video for the gauges :)

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@reedrobertson5839 Yes - "Sam Mebane 9 months ago We installed them when we installed the new dashboard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2KlmpeCmKakeLc" The sending units on the engine were installed when we did the engine build portion of the series which started here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4e2ZoKelKiJsMU

[@chrisfreemesser]

I thought the build was done...you lied to us Sam! :D Programmable speedo seems a lot easier than changing plastic gears like in the past...

[@Sam_Mebane]

We’re done building! Pushing a few buttons and setting things isn’t really building....

[@lunarpking]

Buy a brass gear and never change the plastic one again.

[@simon-unicycleman101]

Hello Will this work once you start the car or just on reds, or do hold it till the car starts and it will still do the same thing

[@Sam_Mebane]

Yes.

[@patrickzimmermann9714]

Ist this the VDO singleviu speedometer?

[@Sam_Mebane]

No, this is a VDO Cockpit series speedometer (Part number - V437052).

[@FernandoelChachi]

Hi: What should be a normal temperature reading from an oil temperature sensor?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Typically about 210 to 220 seems to be normal for all the engines we've run a gauge on. At 235 you may want to stop and let things cool down.

[@charlesmastrini9267]

Where did you get the outer ring around the speedometer that has the led lights? What diameter is this speedometer

[@Sam_Mebane]

I made the adapter. The speedometer is 3 3/8”.

[@reedrobertson5839]

@@Sam_Mebane Sam - what material did you use to make the adapter that surrounds the speedo? is there a video of that? curious what lights you added and what sensors feed each.

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@reedrobertson5839 a sheet of 1/4" ABS plastic, there was no video. The lights operate off the stock wiring for all of the stock speedometer indicator bulbs. The only change was I added a resistor to the alternator light as an LED doesn't have enough resistance for the internally regulated alternator.

[@KlineGeek]

@@Sam_Mebane I've been building a Baja out of a '74. I have a new fiberglass dash cover that has the hole for the stock dash..... and then I found some cool aftermarket speedo's that clearly won't fit that. Is there a video somewhere showing how to install the speedo? I don't know now the stock speedo is held in. I'm thinking that since you used a piece of ABS, there must be just some clamps that hold it in similar to how the gas tank is held in, if that makes any kind of sense. Am I close?

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@KlineGeek the stock speedometer mounts to the threaded bosses on either side of the stock dashboard. We cover the installation of the speedometer in our dashboard installation video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2KlmpeCmKakeLc at about the 9 minute mark.

[@BibleSermonsOnline]

Thanks so much for these videos. I have an unrelated question. I love that steering wheel! What type of car is it from, and where can I get one for my 73 Super Beetle? Thanks. Doug

[@JBugsVWParts]

The wheel is an aftermarket Voltane Black Ashwood wheel we offer here: www.jbugs.com/product/ST3019B.html

[@easternWashington.]

So what might be a dumb question for you, how do you get rid of speedometer bounce without changing from the old cable system?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Assuming you've replaced the cable, it may be time to rebuild the speedometer.

[@JBugsVWParts]

Speedometer.com is one place still rebuilding speedos.

[@easternWashington.]

@@Sam_Mebane I replaced the original cable after it broke about a year ago and it kept bouncing just not as bad, now the end of the new cable is rounded to the point that I had to put in shims while I wait for the new one to arrive, can the speedometer be rebuilt at home?

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@easternWashington. not effectively, no.

[@easternWashington.]

@@Sam_Mebane well I guess I'll have to send it in and have it rebuilt. thanks for the info.

[@andrewsamuels3900]

can we buy the bug

[@Sam_Mebane]

Contact me directly, [e-mail]

[@garyjones2582]

Just give me an old fashioned speedometer...

[@Sam_Mebane]

Gary, the simple things are usually much easier!

[@garyjones2582]

I'm just a simple minded kind of guy... Things are way too complicated these days...