Frank,

That was a great idea that would have saved me a whole bunch of time! The diameter of the shaft is 3mm. I measured it last night. You'll need a drill bit or rod material 3mm or less in thickness and about 70mm in length. The key is then getting the small brass bushing off the main numbers shaft.

This is why this forum is terrific. Better ideas and solutions.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)