MG Car Repair: 1970 Midget gauges, speedometer needle, chrome bezel

Question
Speedometer needle fluctuates widely back and forth at speed. Sometimes it just goes to 0 mph then starts bouncing back and forth again. Also can the chrome rings on the gauges be removed? Would like to replace or re-chrome.
Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Marty,
Two possible causes for needle fluctuations. Remove the cable housing from the speedo and remove the inner cable and examine for any kinks or bends in the inner cable. Then lube with a light grease or oil and replace if no kinks are noted.
At that point the problem is inside the speedometer. The needle is raised by a magnet that is driven by the cable. If the bearing surface that the magnet rides in gets worn, the magnet can make contact to the steel drum that it is in and thus bounce the needle up and down. Also any dirt in the drum can do the same. Also check for excess end play of the shaft that the magnet is on, as the speedo cable can exert pressure inward and force the magnet against the face of the drum, thus dragging the needle up at times.

The chrome bezel can be stuck so with the speedo removed pry the ears of the bezel out just a little to break the bonding loose. Work your way all the way around. Don't pry too much as you may damage the bezel.
Then rotate the bezel so the ears line up with the notches and the bezel can then be removed. Then the two screws in the back of the cover will release the speedo out of its case. (if you have the extension for the trip meter, you will need to remove the small cotter pin securing it.)
Howard