VDO problems

["Theodore R. Harlan" <trharlan@one.net>]

I sent my speedo to VDO about two weeks ago for a recalibration and a 
replacement of the hair spring. Well, it turns out that they found a 
bunch of broken stuff on it (supposedly) and want to hit me for $85.00 
everything included. I don't mind paying the extra $$ because I know 
that it will be calibrated correctly and that (proper calibration) is 
VERY important to me.

But here's the trick: the service representative I talked to seemed not 
too bright. I asked her what the OEM tire size was on my 5k. She said 
that she had no idea. I asked her how she could calibrate it, then. she 
said that they had a chart. "Without tire sizes?" "Yes. We adjust the 
ratio." "What ratio (knowing full well, I asked)?" "The speedometer 
ratio." Uggh...

So, just to be sure, I called a few dealers and the Tire Rack. They all 
stated that my car came with 185s. I am running 195s now (bought it 
used). Obviously, the calibration will be wrong. I fear that I will 
explain it to this woman, who will tell me that they will fix it, and 
then ship the thing as is (unadjusted).

SO:
1. Will it be difficult for them to make that adjustment? they ARE VDO. 
But they suck at inspiring confidence.
2. Should I tell them to screw themseves, buy a used one, and take it to 
a local place for calibration (with a dyno, while the speedo is in the 
car)? I'd imagine that would cost me a total of $100 or more.
3. Should I try to go over her head?
4. Is the milepost/stopwatch method of calibration measurement accurate 
on an Ohio Interstate?
5. How far off will it be if calibrated for 185s
6. In a nutshell, someone _please_ tell me what you would do.

I'm not gonna drop the better part of $100 for a tool that doesn't even 
work properly.

--Ted Harlan