R65 instrument housing

[hzbloke]

I've just got a 'new' instrument housing for my 1986 R65 from Germany and found it differed in two ways from the old one (which I think was original).

The lugs that take the screws which hold the instruments in and hold the back cover on do not have brass inserts like the old one had:



And the glass in the 'new' one is plastic, not glass, and it is not frosted (see the newspaper behind the glass):



Not that it makes a lot of difference but does anyone know when these things changed?

And as the white paint inside the new one is flaking off does anyone have any tips on painting plastic?

Cheers
Ray

[Deleted User 62]

I don't know about the screws, but I would think plastic model airplane paint would work; flat Testors

[chasbmw]

From whom did you get the instrument consol? I would like one for my 90/6?

[Jeff in W.C.]

BMW changed the screws to the instrument housing. Be VERY careful when installing the screws and use grease. Yes grease. That is the recommendation from BMW. If you don't, you could break the head off the screws leaving the threded portion in your new and very expensive housing with little way to get them out. I purchased a new housing for my 88 R100 RT, and broke off two screws. The local BMW shop was able to remove them, which they did at no cost. But, I think it's a poor design that requires you to use grease to get the screws in. Oh well.

[SteveD]

From whom did you get the instrument consol? I would like one for my 90/6?

Good luck Charles. They're hard to find at a decent price, especially, extra especially the pre 1981 versions.But I s'pose you know that.

[chasbmw]

I know, I missed on a complete set for £250....... Motorworks will sell you refurbed instruments at a price, but it's the waterproof ness of the housing that is of concern. At least most of the screws are in good condition.

[hzbloke]

Thanks for the tip on what paint to use Tim. I've never made plastic models so I hadn't thought of that.

And that is an excellent bit of advice re using grease on the screws, thank you Jeff in W.C.

And thank you chasbmw for using 'whom'. It behooves us to be talkin' proper in a public forum such as this.

I got the housing off German ebay. It can be a problem though as many sellers won't post outside of of Germany or, maybe, the EU. Those that do post worldwide all seem to use expensive couriers rather than the postal system. It cost me about A$55 to get the housing sent.

Still no one with any idea when they changed the specs on the housings?

Cheers
Ray

[chasbmw]

I changed the housing on the 1070 bike about 5/6 years ago and got one like yours, the screws broke first time I fitted it and it was replaced by the vendor (Motobins). Then I used grease.