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He doesn't have any presently--and his price for a core plus rebuild nets close to $1000~1,100. Too rich for my blood.
However, if I find a serviceable core for </= $200, even missing a bezel, needle, etc., I'd be out the door for under $500 with a unit that will last many years.
So, I'll keep looking... and limp along in the meantime with my cheap re-pop.
He doesn't have any presently--and his price for a core plus rebuild nets close to $1000~1,100. Too rich for my blood.
However, if I find a serviceable core for </= $200, even missing a bezel, needle, etc., I'd be out the door for under $500 with a unit that will last many years.
So, I'll keep looking... and limp along in the meantime with my cheap re-pop.
Good plan. Winter is upon us anyway. Years ago, I found a Tombstone speedo on eBay that didnt work fo $50. Sent it to John and he refurbished it for around $200-225. Replaced the repop speedo that came on a 67 FLH that I bought. Theyre out there but the prices have obviously increased considerably.
A- buying junk and having John fix it is the most cost effective method. I think the speedo on my '46 was $300 at a swap, then $250 to him to fix it. Could sell it tomorrow for $1k and up, all day. Be patient.
B- Speed lock was on Police bikes. When they sped up to follow you, they could hit the button and the speedo locked at that speed, that was their evidence to write the speeding ticket.
Here is a core I have from a fire, the round disc on the second picture is what is left of the speed lock.
A- buying junk and having John fix it is the most cost effective method. I think the speedo on my '46 was $300 at a swap, then $250 to him to fix it. Could sell it tomorrow for $1k and up, all day. Be patient.
B- Speed lock was on Police bikes. When they sped up to follow you, they could hit the button and the speedo locked at that speed, that was their evidence to write the speeding ticket.
Here is a core I have from a fire, the round disc on the second picture is what is left of the speed lock.
Oh, cool. That's helpful, thanks very much.
I am actually looking at one right now that I could get for the numbers you state above--and John confirmed the rebuild price yesterday, still fairly close to what you paid. So, the figures help me feel better about not getting gouged.
I may go for it, because even though my bike isn't stock re: the sheet metal (by choice), it does have the original cases, crank, rods, etc., original tranny and unmolested frame, triple trees, star hubs and rear wheel, and those nifty '61 tanks.
So, less from an investment standpoint--as I intend to 'wrench, ride, repeat' until I die, rather than sell her--and more from the intrinsic appeal of a unique vintage ride, I like the idea of looking down at an OEM '50s clock. Hey, you only go around once, right?
Well... that was quick. I made an offer designed to mimic Architect's deal (actually a bit lower, thinking he'd haggle), and the seller accepted! I've got a call into John Bardos, who told me he's very backed up but has trained an apprentice/partner for over a year who's competent and has less work right now. Also, the unit I got does work well re: the speedo, but the trip odometer reset and possibly the odometer in general are intermittent or not working.
But it doesn't look bad at all, mainly needs a bezel which John says is included in rebuild price. I'll post a 'before' pic when I get it in-hand and an 'after' shot when it's refurbished.
I'm excited! Thanks for the help, guys! Back goes the re-pop, same day it arrived...
Last edited by NM Pan-shovel; Nov 10, 2023 at 03:20 PM.
John is excellent, I've visited with him at various events and swap meets and has always done good work. If he doesn't have what you need, I've also used Reed Wolf in Bastrop Tx. But he won't work on repops etc. He has an instagram page that shows some of his work and things he usually has in stock.
TEXAS SPEEDOMETER SERVICE👈🏻 - Restoration/service of Stewart Warner speedos for Harley/Indian 1936-80. Vintage Harley Mechanic too! (720) 939-5426
John is excellent, I've visited with him at various events and swap meets and has always done good work. If he doesn't have what you need, I've also used Reed Wolf in Bastrop Tx. But he won't work on repops etc. He has an instagram page that shows some of his work and things he usually has in stock.
TEXAS SPEEDOMETER SERVICE👈🏻 - Restoration/service of Stewart Warner speedos for Harley/Indian 1936-80. Vintage Harley Mechanic too! (720) 939-5426
Paul
Thanks for taking the time to post this info, Paul. Good to have a reputable repair person in case John is slammed.
I was able to adjust the contrast on the ad photo a bit... doesn't look too bad, but I think John told me a new bezel and lens are included in a rebuild. And I think he somehow carefully cleans up the face without damaging the OEM paint...?
This is purportedly from a '45 Flathead cop bike, which is cool because the first Harley I owned when around age 20 in San Diego (as some know) was a '38 Flathead, albeit with ape hangers, a chopper seat, 8" over tubes, teensy headlight and a Mikuni--but otherwise stock frame, engine, and tranny. Man, I wish I still had that bike... but I love the Pan-Shovel!
Heres the other end of the speed lock speedo. Mounted on the left bar of buddys 66 Police Special. Officer pushed the lever after matching your speed, locked the speedo on that speed and pulled out his ticket book. Believe the other button is to reset speedo.
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