Changing speedo face

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Bobba

Changing speedo face

Post by Bobba » Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:44 am

I purchased a 'speedo plate' which gives MPH/KPH and, following instructions provided fitted this to my Bongo. The package did not contain a new faceplate, but a sticker which could be applied over existing plate.

This works well, in daylight, but backlight cannot effectively penetrate at night.

The only process I think possible, is to remove the original KM surface from the clear faceplate. What I can't figure is how? Help please! bobba.
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dave_aber
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by dave_aber » Tue Oct 05, 2010 11:57 am

An easier and perhaps more complete solution is to obtain a speedo module from a mid-90s Mazda 626. The correct ones have "GA5R" printed on the face. These read in MPH on the major scale, with an inner KPH scale, the odometers are in miles, and they illuminate perfectly. They are a direct drop-in replacement for the Bongo unit.
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Scott
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by Scott » Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:38 pm

dave_aber wrote:An easier and perhaps more complete solution is to obtain a speedo module from a mid-90s Mazda 626. The correct ones have "GA5R" printed on the face. These read in MPH on the major scale, with an inner KPH scale, the odometers are in miles, and they illuminate perfectly. They are a direct drop-in replacement for the Bongo unit.
One thing to bear in mind if you're going to use a GA5R Mazda speedo is the needle colour, The new shape bongos have red needles whereas the old shape and the GA5R both have orange needles, I didn't realise till it was too late and had to pull it all apart again and swap the needles.

If you're removing the needles you must apply 12v to the speedo and remove the 'stop pin' then you can align the needle with the faceplate calibration marks :D
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by dave_aber » Tue Oct 05, 2010 2:28 pm

Good call. Mine's an old shape, so I was OK with the orange needle.
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by Triple/R » Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:18 pm

Good advise above~~also if you get the complete cluster only use speedo face cus electrics on GA5R circuit board are'nt compatible with yours & makes the flasher unit go haywire,& as Scott say's when speedo is installed (without needle) you need to turn ignition on then replace needle.
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Bobba

Re: Changing speedo face

Post by Bobba » Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:31 pm

Can someone explain 'old shape' please?
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by dave_aber » Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:07 pm

Old Shape :

Image

New Shape :

Image
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by Scott » Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:41 pm

Bobba you could always fit a set of plasma dials in :D

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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by loneranger » Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:38 am

Hello I am thinking of changing my dials for the plasma ones,is it easy and how do youn get the dash out :?: I have not removed the dash on the Bongo before :oops: I like the look of the white dials, 8) :idea: if anyone is going to the Peak district bash :?: could they show me what to do.I am going to order the dials today thanks Michael
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Re: Changing speedo face

Post by Doone » Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:04 am

I purchased a 'speedo plate' which gives MPH/KPH and, following instructions provided fitted this to my Bongo. The package did not contain a new faceplate, but a sticker which could be applied over existing plate.

This works well, in daylight, but backlight cannot effectively penetrate at night.

The only process I think possible, is to remove the original KM surface from the clear faceplate. What I can't figure is how? Help please! bobba.
On EBay you can buy a replacement speedo face which is a faceplate, not a sticker.
Hello I am thinking of changing my dials for the plasma ones,is it easy and how do youn get the dash out
There are some photos of how to do it ON THIS LINK. And there's lots of discussion about the changing the dials on too. If you need more advice on how to do this, you might post on the 'Pimp my Bongo' forum and the guys will help you out. :)
Allans Garage retired. Try PGS (Plymouth Garage Services) or Mayflower Auto Services Plymouth
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