Ford Scripted Sears Cross Speedometer Inquiry

[ryanf1023]

I came across this at an antique store today. It seemed too good to pass up. I’m wondering if anyone can please inform me on this? Earlier threads seemed to point out 1914-1915 cars had these. I may or may not keep it depending on its rarity or if someone needs it for their car.

[RajoRacer]

Perhaps Russ F. might chime in with his knowledge - I understand some "Ford Specials" were a better unit than others.

[Allan]

Nice find. It looks to be in good condition.Pages 79-81 of Russ Furstnow's book, "The Antique Automobile Speedometer" will show you all you need to know. Good luck finding the cable and drive equipment.

Allan from down under.

[haydonr]

Hi Ryan,

I'm no expert on speedos, but I do have the twin to your one. Russ's MTFCA speedo book lists it as 1914-15. I was originally hoping it would be right for my '13 when I picked it up, but being a speedster, I might still use it anyway. I have managed to find the special 35 tooth drive gear, but not the machined hub to fit it to.

[Russ_Furstnow]

The Sears-Cross unit is a fair unit, being that most of the internal parts are pot metal. It uses a centrifugal weight to operate the needle and there are VERY small ball bearings that support the gears for the odometer. The speedometer in the last post has a modified input housing to accept a Stewart cable ferrule nut, which is more common that the Ford Special ferrule. If you are putting the speedometer on a speedster, any speedometer is great. I have new drives and some parts for the Ford Special speedometers, but some of these parts, including cables, are hard to find. I hope thishelps. Russ Furstnow

[ryanf1023]

Thank you all for chiming in. It’s such a charming unit I may just use as is for now on my speedster firewall. That is a brilliant looking unit Haydon.