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1986 560SL Black Pearl Metallic, grey leather interior
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50 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Would the dial from a speedometer from a different model Benz fork in an 560sl? In other words, if you found a perfect speedometer face in a 560se and removed the face (Obviously dissembling the whole speedometer cluster) would it be the same size and work? Mine is badly faded, but maybe that would work??? Thoughts??? It would be labor intensive but I don't mind that.
 

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380SL diesel
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1,284 Posts
Can't speak specifically to your question, but when I transplanted a 617 diesel into my 107, the tach wouldnt work - diesels use a VR pickup for a signal while gassers use an ignition signal. Even though the actual modules are different, they screwed right in without modification. Now the sweep of the tach face was also different (gassers rev higher) and that wouldn't swap right in but with just a bit of trimming I was able to epoxy the diesel tach face over the original one and since the bezel covers the outer edges of the face, there is no visual clue that anything is different.

So I would check the sweep of the other speedometer face and if it's the same you might be able to use my trick to get the job done.

There used to be someone that produced new faces for gauges. They were printed on vinyl and would stick over the face...mostly to emulate AMG faces or change to black on white scheme. If you're handy with photoshop and could source the proper substrate that might be a solution too.

 

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1983 380SL, ivory/dk brown, 46k miles, dual roller timing chain. 1986 560SL, red/white, 190K mile.
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9,224 Posts
The dial needles are very delicate. Any tips on how to remove them and reinstall?
 

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Monika '74 450SL and her lil sis BrownHilda '79 280SL
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2,013 Posts
W126 cars have electric speedometers. Does the 560 or is it still cable operated?
You would need to match the final drive gearing too as the different drive ratios mean the speedo registers different speeds.
 

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380SL diesel
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1,284 Posts
The dial needles are very delicate. Any tips on how to remove them and reinstall?
Easy peasy....use two spoons, one on either side of the needle center and pry. Use a bit of paper towel between the spoon and face as insurance against scratching. They will often pop and shoot across the room.

To reinstall, place on the shaft and very lightly tap it back on.

Make sure you note the rest position of the needle so you can reinstall properly clocked. The rest position may be on the opposite side of the stop pin, so be aware.
 
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