The Ford Barn

Roger - WI · 06-23-2010, 08:53 AM

I removed my speedometer to have it fixed, lubed, etc. Having a lot of trouble getting the nut on the top bolt as I put it back in. I do not want to take the dash out. Is there a trick to getting that nut on? Really a tough angle to get to. Thanks.

Django · 06-23-2010, 12:47 PM

A set of smaller hands maybe? I don't recall it being particularly difficult myself. Can you not start it by hand, or just can't get a wrench on there?

Bruce Lancaster · 06-23-2010, 01:09 PM

I know I've at least removed '36 speedos...don't remember any great problems aside from back pain. Would it help to glue the nut into a deep socket so you have a handle of sorts?? Also, be real sure you have the right nut and that it goes on. I have wasted time and pain a few times trying to spin on the wrong fastener and some on entirely defective fasteners. Enlisting a child or teenager would not be a bad idea...small, flexible, easy to bribe...

36tbird · 06-23-2010, 01:25 PM

How is your tongue positioned when you are working at this? Can't tell you what is right. I just know it matters.

James · 06-23-2010, 09:26 PM

There is a recessed “hump” underneath the dash that is designed to allow access for the top stud and nut attachment of the speedometer. Gaining access to the speedometer attachment is pretty simple, but the trick is understanding the arrangement. Please feel free to contact me directly and I will gladly explain the procedure. [email protected]

flatheadfan · 06-24-2010, 04:07 AM

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Roger-

I feel your pain on this. On my '35 I had the same problem It is relatively easy to get the top nut off the stud but nearly impossible to get it back on (this probably explained why Ford changed the the position of the three nuts in '37). At any rate, in my case I had to loosen the dash and pull it out slightly to get the nut on. To avoid this situation in the future I "notched" the stamping behind the upper stud to allow any future replacement without having to pull the dash. If there is an easier way to do it I haven't found it. Unfortunately for you, as it stands now, you will probably need to pull out the dash.

Tom

Wltr_Mitty · 06-24-2010, 06:58 PM

As I recall, you have to start the nut by hand. Even a thin wall socket or nut driver doesn't give you enough room to properly align the nut to get it started. They'll take the nut off, but won't sit straight enough to get the nut back on.

Roger - WI · 06-25-2010, 01:40 PM

Some of you know the problem...I am going to try to put the nut in something that will fit (like tubing or something) and slide that on the bolt and work it on. It is a bugger! Yes, I held my tongue all kinds of ways. It is the right sized nut, too. Tried every angle I know of...You can sneak a wrench in to get it out, but good luck getting the nut back in! One of those unique 35-36 things, I think. Thanks for the suggestions (and humor)!
Roger

06-23-2010, 08:53 AM	#1
Roger - WI Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5	36 Speedo reinstall I removed my speedometer to have it fixed, lubed, etc. Having a lot of trouble getting the nut on the top bolt as I put it back in. I do not want to take the dash out. Is there a trick to getting that nut on? Really a tough angle to get to. Thanks.

06-23-2010, 12:47 PM	#2
Django Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Forest Park, IL Posts: 590	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall A set of smaller hands maybe? I don't recall it being particularly difficult myself. Can you not start it by hand, or just can't get a wrench on there? __________________ Obsessed with all things 1936 Ford since birth... thanks Dad.

06-23-2010, 01:09 PM	#3
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall I know I've at least removed '36 speedos...don't remember any great problems aside from back pain. Would it help to glue the nut into a deep socket so you have a handle of sorts?? Also, be real sure you have the right nut and that it goes on. I have wasted time and pain a few times trying to spin on the wrong fastener and some on entirely defective fasteners. Enlisting a child or teenager would not be a bad idea...small, flexible, easy to bribe...

06-23-2010, 01:25 PM	#4
36tbird Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: nw SanAntonio, TX Posts: 939	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall How is your tongue positioned when you are working at this? Can't tell you what is right. I just know it matters.

06-23-2010, 09:26 PM	#5
James Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 14	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall There is a recessed “hump” underneath the dash that is designed to allow access for the top stud and nut attachment of the speedometer. Gaining access to the speedometer attachment is pretty simple, but the trick is understanding the arrangement. Please feel free to contact me directly and I will gladly explain the procedure. [email protected]

06-24-2010, 04:07 AM	#6
flatheadfan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,218	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Roger- I feel your pain on this. On my '35 I had the same problem It is relatively easy to get the top nut off the stud but nearly impossible to get it back on (this probably explained why Ford changed the the position of the three nuts in '37). At any rate, in my case I had to loosen the dash and pull it out slightly to get the nut on. To avoid this situation in the future I "notched" the stamping behind the upper stud to allow any future replacement without having to pull the dash. If there is an easier way to do it I haven't found it. Unfortunately for you, as it stands now, you will probably need to pull out the dash. Tom

06-24-2010, 06:58 PM	#7
Wltr_Mitty Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 20	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall As I recall, you have to start the nut by hand. Even a thin wall socket or nut driver doesn't give you enough room to properly align the nut to get it started. They'll take the nut off, but won't sit straight enough to get the nut back on.

06-25-2010, 01:40 PM	#8
Roger - WI Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5	Re: 36 Speedo reinstall Some of you know the problem...I am going to try to put the nut in something that will fit (like tubing or something) and slide that on the bolt and work it on. It is a bugger! Yes, I held my tongue all kinds of ways. It is the right sized nut, too. Tried every angle I know of...You can sneak a wrench in to get it out, but good luck getting the nut back in! One of those unique 35-36 things, I think. Thanks for the suggestions (and humor)! Roger