Misc: Everything Else Series 'D' Speedo Drive

[Chris Marshall]

Hi guys
I have two restored speedo drive gear boxes, with different length threads, the short one is for my C Rapide, I think the other one is for a D ? Am I correct?
Regards Chris

 

[Marcus Bowden]

Yes you are correct my handsome, I bought a new one with long thread from Conway's in the 90's ex WD supply in green but it went the wrong way anti clock inn for clock out so I modified a brake plate turned the wheel round and used it on my Rap with fixed speedo and tachometer of 5" variety so left the cable with a bend in it, as forks worked independently reducing sprung weight, the tachometer was from a Jaguar 6 k rpm (more in keeping with speed range) but 2: reduction not 4:1 so came direct off Grosset trigger unit, doing an anti clock wise movement and the speedo going clockwise, so when both needles vertical 80 MPH & 3 k RPM for carousing speed.

 

[Chris Marshall]

Nice job, I like the twin brass head lights, I have got one of those too!

 

[delboy]

Sorry Marcus,
the original "D" speedo box [at least enclosed models; I haven't checked "open"] Is certainly long bodied BUT, has the output shaft BEHIND the input shaft, not in front as in the photo.
So strictly speaking, the one in Chis' picture is just a long B/C box. All subject to having the correct gears inside of course.
Regards,
delboy.

 

[Chris Marshall]

Sorry Marcus,
the original "D" speedo box [at least enclosed models; I haven't checked "open"] Is certainly long bodied BUT, has the output shaft BEHIND the input shaft, not in front as in the photo.
So strictly speaking, the one in Chis' picture is just a long B/C box. All subject to having the correct gears inside of course.
Regards,
delboy.

Now this is what I was after, I have just seen an original Knight and yes it is the other way up, but I have seen a D Shadow with it the same way as I have got! So, were they supposed to be different?

 

[delboy]

I have just learned something!
"Motor cycling" road test in '55 of "open" "D" shows that the long version of the speedo box, with the output shaft in FRONT [as in Chris' pic'] was indeed fitted to "open" D's.
It's also shown on a factory photo in one of the Roy Harper books.
regards,
delboy.

 

[Chris Marshall]

I have just learned something!
"Motor cycling" road test in '55 of "open" "D" shows that the long version of the speedo box, with the output shaft in FRONT [as in Chris' pic'] was indeed fitted to "open" D's.
It's also shown on a factory photo in one of the Roy Harper books.
regards,
delboy.

Perfect.
Thanks delboy.
Now, does anyone want one?

 

[bmetcalf]

Oh, they look too nice to use!

 

[Marcus Bowden]

How much as the VOCSC is about £400

 

[delboy]

Having put my specs on, it's difficult to see [on the images I have] if the "open" D speedo box is a long version or short like the C.
The "upside down" "enclosed" D is a long one.
Every day's a learner.
delboy.