Model A Speedometer Cable

mbaughman

Junior Member
The speedometer on my early 28 Model A RPU has not worked since I bought it. While removing the transmission/rearend to change the clutch I noticed the cable spun on the speedometer drive end, does this mean the gauge is seized up? Is there a good way to check without taking the gauge out?
 
You need to take the instrument panel off the dash/gas tank, and tip it back to expose where the speedo cable threads into your speedometer. Then you can check to see if your cable is broken or not. then try to turn the speedometer drive where the cable threads on. If it turns, then maybe it's ok? The speedometer is only held by two screws, and is easy to ake out and examine on the work bench.
 
The magnet shaft seizing up is common on these old units after setting for long periods in less than ideal moisture/humidity levels. Send it out to papanick for quick turn around.
 
Mine had 28 miles on the odometer when I got the car from my father 5 years ago...I snapped off a new speedometer cable in less than 300 feet, 5 years ago...Last summer I removed the speedometer, connected about a foot of the inner cable to a low speed drill...The speedometer was bound up...I soaked it with Kroil and got it free...The car has 2636 miles on the odemeter in a little over a year...Use Kroil sparingly, I tipped the speedometer on to its face and the oil loosened up some of the numbers on the odometer and they are cockeyed now...
 
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