midngn

I'm looking to purchase an 80's 911 SC and I seem to keep hearing about how easy it is to roll back the odometer. How is the best way to tell this has been done when considering a purchase? Any suggestions? Will a typical seller allow you to pull the gauge pod and then waht exactly do you look for? Thanks.

RANDY P

If anything, it's probably been swapped. Three things usually happen that causes this -

1- Dead from old age, happens frequently

2- Upgrade from 85 MPH speedo to 150MPH unit

3- Euro to USA conversion which mandates a speedo change.

Don't remember offhand which years of the SC (think 79-81)? had the 85 MPH unit, but that's a big one right there. Best thing is to check all the reciepts and owner's manual closely (has spot for speedometer change) for any oddities. That, and a through check up with a reputable wrench will be everything you need.

Dunno any tricks to roll them back, other than taking it apart, but there's a fair chance it's been changed anyhow.

rjp

Sonic dB

check the sticker on the inside back of the speedo and see if the date matches up with the date on the door sticker.

2002M3Drew

I think 83 was the first year of the >85mph speedo...I know the 82s have the 85 mph unit in them

midngn

All excellent suggestions, thank you. BUT do you think a seller would let me pull the speedo? I believe it just slides out. True??

Kurt V

If they had records that showed the mileage at various times in the car's history that add up to the present mileage, I would not be too concerned. If the seller lets you pull the speedo, which is a big if, the back of the metal rim holding the glass in should be nice and smooth. If it looks like someone has pride the lip up with some tool you know the speedo has probably been opened. Of course there are several good reasons to open up the speedo such as fixing the odometer, etc.

DGaunt

Yes, they just sit in the rubber ring; very easy to remove.
however, several places like Hollywood Speedo and Palo Alto Speedo will re-set the number to what you wish when you have it repaired. I do not know what they do to document that.
Best advice you got was making sure the milage on any repair docs make sense against the odo.

midngn

Great advice. I know once I finally get a Porsche, I'll be able to get great advice on these boards. Thanks.

RANDY P

with old cars, it's no so much the mileage but the owner. Buy from someone who has pride of ownership, that's most important.

rjp

DJF1

It is extremely easy to roll them back!!! I had mine advance to correct miles when I bought the silver face gauges. It was done in a matter of minutes and witnessing that gave me the chills. You really cannot tell if its rolled back or not.

Speedraser

'80, '81 and '82 had 85 mph speedos.

Muf

It is not so easy to pull the speedometer out!
Especially with older cars. If you have problems removing the speedometer just let it be, it has probably never been pulled out recently.