1980 Speedometer 85 or 140mph?
I remember driving my dad's 80 with a speedometer that went to 140, but most cars that I am reviewing on line show the the meter going to 85 mph.
Is there a reason for the two different speedometers? thanks. |
Originally Posted by bhk2
(Post 1577821903)
I remember driving my dad's 80 with a speedometer that went to 140, but most cars that I am reviewing on line show the the meter going to 85 mph.
Is there a reason for the two different speedometers? thanks. The 85mph speedos started in late '79 through the remainder of the C3 run. The digital dash in the new '84 Corvette had a speed meter that maxed out at 85, but the digital speed readout would go ahead and register higner than 85. In your dad's '80, one of two things could've happened. Either the factory found a 140 mph unit laying around and installed it, or it isn't the car's original speedometer. |
Originally Posted by bhk2
(Post 1577821903)
I remember driving my dad's 80 with a speedometer that went to 140, but most cars that I am reviewing on line show the the meter going to 85 mph.
Is there a reason for the two different speedometers? thanks. |
Chevrolet had planned to introduce the 85 mph speedometer on the 1980 model. Demand for 79 Corvettes was greater than expected and production was extended. Some time in July 1979, Chevrolet used up their supply of 140 mph speedo's and started using the 1980 85 mph speedometers, in 79 Corvettes. All 1980 and later Corvettes used the 85 mph speedometer.
I would guess that someone switched the 85 speedo in your father's 80, for an earlier 145 unit. This was a very common swap. People started replacing the 85 mph units, almost from the very first day that Chevrolet started installing them! |
I had to replace the speedo in my 82 and opted for the 140 mph one. You can get a 160 mph one as well. They refaced mine and it still has the look of the 82 stocker, but reads 140. I like it :)
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On my '81 I have a 160mph speedometere.The P.O switched it.
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Originally Posted by bhk2
(Post 1577821903)
I remember driving my dad's 80 with a speedometer that went to 140, but most cars that I am reviewing on line show the the meter going to 85 mph.
Is there a reason for the two different speedometers? thanks. |
I personally like the 85 speedo in my '82. It's a great conversation topic at car shows especially with the younger folks.
I had a young Cop ask me once if 85MPH was as fast as it would go. My answer was, "I wouldn't know" and left it at that. :rofl: |
Thanks to all for the historical perspective and knowledge of the work around-very helpful.
B |
Originally Posted by gbvette62
(Post 1577822278)
Chevrolet had planned to introduce the 85 mph speedometer on the 1980 model. Demand for 79 Corvettes was greater than expected and production was extended. Some time in July 1979, Chevrolet used up their supply of 140 mph speedo's and started using the 1980 85 mph speedometers, in 79 Corvettes. All 1980 and later Corvettes used the 85 mph speedometer.
I would guess that someone switched the 85 speedo in your father's 80, for an earlier 145 unit. This was a very common swap. People started replacing the 85 mph units, almost from the very first day that Chevrolet started installing them! Glad mine has to 140. |
80 81 use 85to mph speedo
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My understanding is that 79's have the 140mph, and 1980-82 have the 85mph. I have heard of some late 79's that have 85mph, but I have not seen any. I have also heard of some late 79's with the 2 door back trays instead of the 3 door.
My 79 has the 140mph, and has 3 doors. |
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