Precision Engineering

[timbo]

Well, id tried everything else i could think of  And this actually worked 
Id bought three Smiths speedos from an add in RC, and all three turned out to have problems. One, a brand new 80mph one, had seized up completely, probably due to never being used. All three now working due to WD40 and carefull manipulation.

[manxie]

What you can`t see in the picture is the 3ft bar on your stilli`s for extra leverage  Great job, finger looks nasty 

[timbo]

Funny thing is, I was given that large stilson years ago, and have never found any use for it. Yes, Alison and the three large dogs are hanging off the end of a six foot length of s scaffold pole 

[iansoady]

Have a look at Dennis Quinlan's web site. Dennis is an Aussie Velo enthusiast and spent his working life fettling chronometrics.

http://velobanjogent.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/removal-of-smiths-chronometric-speedo.html

One of his tips, which I used successfully, was to heat up the bezel till you can see the O ring melting and bubbling. It will then easily screw off. It's also better to hold the body with a specially made jig locating on the mounting studs rather than holding the body in the vice.

I too have a pair of Stillsons like that but they're generally reserved for the Discovery......

[Moto63]

Eh up Tim , that finger in the photo looks like it was meant to be inserted in to one of those throbbing things that were mentioned in an earlier post ....hopefully on the road to recovery?

[timbo]

A mere flesh wound Michael, I'm embarrassed to even mention it, in respect of your own injuries. Plus it was pure laziness and stupidity what caused it 
Thanks for the advice Ian. That's what any sensible person would do, but I was on a role and slightly manic at the time. It worked anyway. Will check out the link, thanks for posting.

[timbo]

Just read the link. I had already tried two different strap wrenches, a chain wrench, and a pair of water pump pliers. I certainly wasn't going to apply a blow torch to a speedo that was in near mint condition 

[iansoady]

But surely applying the stillsons hasn't done the bezel any favours?

When I did it nothing was damaged at all (other than the O ring). I used one of those cheap pencil type gas torches.

[timbo]

There's a couple of minor marks, and i applied very little pressure, so its ok. What could possibly go wrong 

[manxie]

Crackin job, they look great .... I love these old clocks, I think they`re a work of art in themselves 

[timbo]

Aye, just need to test them on my mates 350 Matchless, then one of the 120mph ones will go onto a G9 Matchless twin, and the others sold on. Well, that's the plan 

[steveD]

Did you have any bits left over?

[timbo]

I would have, I'm sure, if I'd stripped them. They look well fiddly 
No, I only unscrewed bezels, and removed inner complete from case. Working on the KISS principle 

[iansoady]

They're fascinating things to work on but as you say fiddly. The trip wasn't working on one I stripped and when I foolishly took it apart bits went everywhere. Eventually I worked out how it was supposed to work (devilishly complicated) and got it back together but I wouldn't want to do it again. My fingers are too big & clumsy not to mention ageing eyes.....