Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

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OldRider2
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Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#1

Post by OldRider2 »

For the 1975, 76, and 77 GL1000s were the face plates of the Speedo and Tach different colors each year? The reason I ask are the Speed and Tach face plates on my '77 are a blue color. A second set of gauges I picked up the face plates are very green. I'm assuming the gauges are interchangeable between those three years but now I'm wondering if there were different face plate colors, each year?
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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wog
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#2

Post by wog »

Yes, different colors each year.
Great to keep these old 'Wings flying on down the road.
Olsonic
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#3

Post by Olsonic »

‘75 green with red 70 mpg tick 150 mph
‘76 very green 150
‘76 Ltd black 150 mph
‘77 blueish green 140 mph
‘78 black with red inner mph ticks 140 mph
‘77 and ‘78 ticks still go to 150, but “140” is the last number on dial.
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#4

Post by Olsonic »

Correction: 78 and on had red inner KPH ticks
OldRider2
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#5

Post by OldRider2 »

Super, I knew this was an easy question for someone. I guess the spare gauges I have are 76 then, I'd call them very green, and do go to 150, I see no red tick at 70. The Speedo has some dirt so I'm going to try Roady's method of opening it up to try and clean it. The green face plates are in pretty good shape, except in the red line area on the Tach is very faded.
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flyin900
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#6

Post by flyin900 »

You can get replacement printed decals to refresh the faces of the 1976. I restored mine from a kit an E Bay seller offered that also included the stick on decals for the pilot gauge lights too, as these usually have faded lettering.
You do need to take the gauges apart to do the refresh though and some careful maneuvering around in there is needed, yet it is very doable.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
OldRider2
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#7

Post by OldRider2 »

My green faceplates are in pretty good shape but when I opened the Speedometer it is pretty much toast inside, very corroded. I think I can use the faceplate though. Can you find the black rubber grommet that goes around the trip meter reset button?
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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flyin900
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#8

Post by flyin900 »

Usually from another gauge as it isn't a replacement item that Honda sells. There is a gauge refurbishing company out of Europe that sells CB750 series gauge faces and rebuilds them for customers. If you can find the website he may have access to the rubber fitting you need. I usually canabalize another gauge for the part. You need to take the donor gauge apart to carefully remove the rubber inner seal rim that is glued on the inside of the gauge cover hole.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
jb2x
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#9

Post by jb2x »

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OldRider2
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#10

Post by OldRider2 »

Jean and flyin900. Thanks for the info!

I couldn't save the little rubber grommet on the speedo. It was already split on the outside and the rubber was pretty dry and cracked after 40+ years. It looks like the place Jean gave me has them though.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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franchise2k
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#11

Post by franchise2k »

If you haven't taken one apart, my advice is to find an old junk one to practice on first. The ring that holds the 2 halves together takes some patience to slowly work around. By doing it on a junk speedo, you figure out how it works before jumping in on your keepers.
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OldRider2
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Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Face Plate Colors

#12

Post by OldRider2 »

10-4 franchise. I worked on one that wasn't in all that good a shape. The hardest part was just getting that first opening in the ring. The cb750faces place in the Neatherlands has the little rings, but pricey.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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