Speedometer Cable

[Bates51]

Any trick to attaching a speedometer cable to a round 1931 gauge. I have tried for over an hour in 15 min. increments with no success at all. Not even close. Very awkward to line up and blind. I thought the difficult part was over after I got the two machine screws attaching it to the dash board. I was wrong!

 

[JayJay]

First thing to check is if you have the correct cable. One style uses a round end with a tang, the other uses a square end. Look into your speedo and see what you have (round speedo should have the square end) and then look at the cable to make sure they match.

UPDATE - see posts #4 and #9 below.

I find that I have to disconnect the firewall clamp to give enough play in the cable to insert and screw the knurled nut.

 

[Trapdoor2]

I installed my new speedo cable (a few months ago) but did not connect it to the transmission, allowing it to be pulled out far enough to protrude out of the hole in the dashboard. I connected the speedo end, installed the instrument dash into the dashboard and then attached the other end to the transmission.

It took more fiddling than I expected and I did connect it to the transmission end first...the first time thru. Didn't work for me!

 

[midgetracer]

Jay Jay, I believe that all speedos had the square end. The tang or square end was only at the end that goes into the turtle. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[JayJay]

Jay Jay, I believe that all speedos had the square end. The tang or square end was only at the end that goes into the turtle. Correct me if I am wrong.

Upon reflection, you are likely correct. I have both cables at my shop, will verify. Thanks for setting me straight. I’ll correct my post above.

 

[Will N]

Unscrew the cable end from the drive on torque tube and install the speedo end first. That will give you more play and wiggle room. When all done on the top, reconnect the cable to the drive below.

 

[Bates51]

My next move will to disconnect from the transmission and do as some of you have said. I might use some nail polish to keep the nuts in place prior to installing the gauge in the dash.

 

[Bruce of MN]

Silicone seal might work there, too.

 

[Gary WA]

Upon reflection, you are likely correct. I have both cables at my shop, will verify. Thanks for setting me straight. I’ll correct my post above.

Info

 

[JayJay]

Info

Thanks, Gary and midgetracer. I was kinda correct initially, there IS a difference, but not what I described. JJ

 

[Bates51]

Thanks as always for the help from your experience. It means a lot and keeps me moving forward instead of being dead in the water.