If you use regular needle nose pliers, place a folded paper towel underneath so you don't scratch the face. If you apply even pressure all the way around, it should pop off straight and not bend.

Before you take the speedo needle off, bend the needle (slightly) so it moves over then rests below the peg at "0" and make a note where the needle lies. You'll need to put it back in that spot if you want the speedo calibrated the same way. Otherwise there is a tic mark on the edge of the speedo dial telling you where to put the needle back.

Steve

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'80 450SLC 122k Dunkelblau/Palomino