What speedo cable to use?

[Daves55Sedan]

I am using a '59 Ford-O-Matic in my '55 Ford Courier Sedan delivery wagon.
Apparently, the speedo cable turns in the opposite direction in the '57 and later transmissions, so it will not turn the speedometer.
Seems like what you would need is a '55 Thunderbird cable which would reverse the rotation back in the right direction, but the gear wont work in a '57 or later transmission.
Anybody else try to use a later transmission with a '55 speedo? What cable assembly will work?

 

[JeffB2]

I have a 1984 302 & AOD in my '54 the cable is from a 1970 Mustang C4 there is a discussion thread in the H.A.M.B. 1952-59 Ford Group with the correct part number needed so you get the correct ends.

 

[paul2748]

There are two different driven (cable) gears besides all the different teeth. One is left drive, the other right. I believe that these were made because the cable went into different sides of any particular trans. Most had the cable going into the left side, while a lot of the 4 speeds had it going into the right side.

The earlier (up to 57/58's) all had it on the left side if I remember correctly. In 59 Ford changed the trans configeration (two speed only) so i don't know if they changed the side where the cable goes.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

I believe the speedo cable is below the trans OP shaft center line in early transmissions and above the CL in the later ones, hence the different gears. You need to match the gear to the configuration of the trans. I believe most Ford speedo heads were standard by this time so any cable that fits your trans should work OK, Fine.

The cables always turns in the same direction when the correct gears are used.