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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Electronic Speedo Type 9?

So anyone ever fitted an electronic speedo drive on their type 9 gearbox in a spridget?

I like the idea of not having to send the speedo of for calibration but then there's the problem of getting an electronic speedo to mate with the spridgets housing and face plate since I don't want to ruin the genuine look inside the car.


Is this a doomed or plausible idea, any thoughts?

Alex
Alexander Sorby Wigstrom

This is what you need Alex
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electronic-Speedo-Sensor-Ford-Type-9-Type-E-Rocket-/150698735131?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item231658361b
Then a new speedo you can calibrate yourself.
Not too sure if a Spridget would have the room for the sensor sticking out that much, a bit of careful measuring needed.
Good luck
Rob Newt

And since we have no takers I'll elaborate.

Initial though is that if a electronic sensor is mounted to the type9 gearbox it emits a 5V wave in "x pulses" per second. And what I would like is an electronic speedo motor that fits with the spridget mechanical speedos faceplate, The motor would preferably have to expect the same signal emitted by the sensor on the box for an accurate reading and move accordingly and if not the same at least one that expect a similar signal which then would have to be calibrated or controlled by a converter of some sort for example a micro controller. So finding an electronic speedo that does not have it's signal interpreted and tweaked by a ECU of some sort is required.

HOWEVER this is just a theory sine I'm not really that knowledgeable on how modern speedos actually work. But it sure would be nice though, and as with every conversion it's always seems hard until someone has done it an can provide sufficient input on the subject.
Alexander Sorby Wigstrom

Hey rob that's actually the sensor I was talking about, haven't found the speedo you're mentioning but I'll look in to it, thanks!
Alexander Sorby Wigstrom

And here is your speedo, push button calibration.
https://www.europaspares.com/product/171/16392/GAUGES/VDO_VISION_GAUGES/VDO_SPEEDOMETERS___80mm___100mm___MPH___km_h_.html
Hope this helps
Rob Newt

Like that, I would do it if cheaper.
Lawrence Slater

I think that, as Rob says above, the sensor may foul the tunnel. I put an angle drive speedo on my type nine and it was just about OK but didn't stick out quite as much as the one pictured. I suppose you could drill the tunnel and put some sort of cowling round the sensor.

Bernie.
b higginson

I think it might depend on how the T9 is installed.

My speedo cable comes straight out of the Box. I drilled a round hole in the tunnel to accomodate the cable entry to the car.

It runs under the carpet and then over the jack mount box section, and on up to the speedo..
Lawrence Slater

Hi Lawrence

This is what I used at first. However, my wife drove the car a couple of times with the seat forward.... this stressed the cable and eventually it broke. I had a mother&father of a job removing the old cable from the box (a job you could see, or access with a tool... but not both). I dropped the box, removed the mounting plate, and after only 3 or 4 hours removed the old circlip with a small screw-driver (no chance of getting a circlip plier onto it).

I fitted a 90-deg adapter (only 15-mins to fit the cirlip!) and it's now fine.

Hope you have a better experience!

A
Anthony Cutler

Yes. When I got mine it recommended drilling the tunnel and taking the cable inside the car, but I didn't fancy it so I got the angle drive from Speedycables. Works great.

Bernie.
b higginson

Hi Anthony,

I agree, a right barsteward to fit.

I made up a special set of pliers, but even then a terrible job. As I'm the only driver, I haven't crushed the cable, but take your point.

Where did you get the 90deg drive from? I might change it.

I don't really like having the cable in the car. It seems to run ok, but I'd prefer it taking the conventional route to the speedo.
Lawrence Slater

Lawrence. See my post above. I got mine from Speedycables. Not cheap though, I think it was about £75.

Bernie.
b higginson

Blimey Bernie, 75 smakeroonies?

Maybe I'm gonna fall in love with my in car speedo cable route, all over again. :)
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 14/11/2011 and 15/11/2011

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