How should this speedometer be installed?

[Steve Jelf]

I have a Stewart speedometer I would like to install in my 1915 runabout. From what I've read, the black face and the H date code identify it as a 1916 Model 100. I'm not pure enough to care about it being a year later than the car. I would like to install it and use it so I don't have to rely on a less than reliable bike speedometer. Those are great when they work, but have proved too easily put out of order by road hazards.

1 Can anyone post pictures showing how the swivel should be mounted?

2 The swivel turns rather stiffly when I rotate the shaft by hand. I suspect it should turn easily, and that I need to clean it of old grease and lubricate it. Is that right?

3 Grease or oil in the swivel?

4 I believe I have all the pieces but one. What is used to attach the small gear to the swivel shaft?

[speedytinc]

Get it clean. I usually disassemble completely. There are little ball bearings & a race that typically need replacing/polishing. Any rust makes it required. Once all apart, I soak it in carb cleaner for a few days. Solvent wash & assess usable parts. (gears & shafts) A little gold paint on the pot metal body to look original. Assemble with EP molly grease. It should turn friction less & butter smooth.

[VowellArt]

Steve, why do you want to know how fast you're going? My car is much later than yours and I really don't care...if the cars keep up with me fine, but if they're passing me, oh well, they're usually speeding anyway. But if it is for the odometer, again who cares? I get there when I get there and don't care how long it takes either.

However, if nobody chimes in here about this question, you might want to take a look at Lang's site, the have a MTFCA publication for speedometers complete with repair and installation instructions. https://www.modeltford.com/item/RM6.aspx

[Steve Jelf]

...why do you want to know how fast you're going?
But if it is for the odometer, again who cares?

On a long stretch of good road I find that my speed tends to creep up unnoticed. Dunno why, but it does. I don't want to go too fast.
I like to keep track of miles to figure gas mileage, to remind me of lubrication due, and because I just want to know how far I've gone.

I have both books by Russ, that one and the big one. There are lots of pictures of swivels, but I didn't find any showing one installed. On this kind of deal I learn better visually than verbally.

[Russ_Furstnow]

Steve, Here is the way Stewart Warner showed how to mount a speedometer. I know you purchased the speedometer, unrestored, from me, but I don't remember what swivel mount you have. PM me and I will send you a copy of the mounting instructions I wrote which should help. I know this installation is for a later car, but the swivel mount might be the same for your car. I hope this helps, Russ Furstnow

[Steve Jelf]

Thanx, Russ. I will send a photo of the swivel.

[Steve Jelf]

PM sent. Forum email won't take attachments.

[Mark Nunn]

Stewart's 1915 catalog shows a Model 100. I think that makes it appropriate for your '15. The digital image of that catalog is on antiquespeedometer.com.

[Corey Walker]

Here is how mine looks on my 14. I bought most of this on eBay and installed it with a Model 100. I then replaced it with a Model C because only the trip odometer on the 100 worked. I like to keep track of my miles. Don’t forget the cotter pin like me or you’ll have to go search for your wheel pinion gear.

[Original Smith]

Do you want the correct Stewart speedometer that was installed at the factory, which is a Ford Special, or a regular aftermarket one like pictured above?

[Steve Jelf]

Do you want the correct Stewart speedometer that was installed at the factory, which is a Ford Special, or a regular aftermarket one like pictured above?

I'm satisfied with the 1916 Stewart 100. I'd even be satisfied with the bike speedometer if it was more reliable. After all, this is one of those fake 1915's made about fifty years ago. It even has a steel hood!

[Original Smith]

Buy Russ Furstnow's speedometer book. It's a great book, with all the information you will ever need!

[Dropacent]

The OP has stock photos of model t service books he likes to post upon owners asking questions. . Speedometers are such a very interesting item in model t history, and Russ’s great book explains them extremely well, and is a must-have if any T owners desires a nice speedometer setup, whether stock installs or as an accessory, as some years would be. Original Smith has nailed it. Get the book. I use his book all the time. There is a lot more than just T history, and also much history of the different suppliers. If you are a cheapskate, the small pamphlet printed by the MTFCA would be useful, but not nearly as good as the Big Book. The info that Russ has available is invaluable, and we need to support people who take the time to do so. As always, JMHO

[Dropacent]

I re- read the thread. You said you own both book. I guess what I don’t understand is why not just use the ford special setup? They re the simplest, easiest to install, much less to go wrong with AND correct for your car. You are making more work with your plan. kISS ! I tell myself that several times a day. T

[Original Smith]

Tim: I agree with you 100%. The problem is, the Ford special cables are impossible to find! I have a friend who purchased a newly made unit, and was dismayed to see that it wasn't made correctly! Why?

[Dropacent]

Nothing is impossible , friend larry. That is a quitter, defeatist attitude. If it was man made, it can be man re- made.

[Steve Jelf]

I have both books by Russ.

Buy Russ Furstnow's speedometer book.

Why am I not using the 1915 Ford Special? Because Russ had this 1916 Model 100 available complete, including the cable, at a decent price. I expect it will be fine.

[Original Smith]

The bracket in the back of a 100 is the same as the factory Ford special. Just mount it in the same place. Of course, if you don't have the bracket on your speedometer, or mounting plate, you will have to find one.