Speedo cable removal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Speedo cable removal
I'm in the process of installing a TKO600 and need to change the speedo cable.
Is there any easy way to take the old cable off the speedo without pulling the gauge cluster out?
I can't reach in behind with my hands and it looks like I'd need to pull the steering column to remove the cluster which is a PIA.
Any suggestions welcome.
Mark
Is there any easy way to take the old cable off the speedo without pulling the gauge cluster out?
I can't reach in behind with my hands and it looks like I'd need to pull the steering column to remove the cluster which is a PIA.
Any suggestions welcome.
Mark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 859
Likes: 53
From: Magnolia Texas
Hi Mark,
I think you can loosen the clamp where the column goes through the firewall and then drop the column enough at the steering wheel to slide the cluster back on 5, 1/4-20 X 6 inch bolts. That gets it back quite a ways and I bet you can reach the speedo cable then.
How did your clearances come out under the car? I am installing a TKO600 soon but I am going to put new body mounts on before I even try it. I already have the engine out so I will put all back as one unit.
Steve
I think you can loosen the clamp where the column goes through the firewall and then drop the column enough at the steering wheel to slide the cluster back on 5, 1/4-20 X 6 inch bolts. That gets it back quite a ways and I bet you can reach the speedo cable then.
How did your clearances come out under the car? I am installing a TKO600 soon but I am going to put new body mounts on before I even try it. I already have the engine out so I will put all back as one unit.
Steve
Last edited by 67*427; Apr 4, 2009 at 02:42 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,016
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
There have also been alleged instances of someone actually being able to get a hand up to the cluster to remove/install the cable without loosening or removing anything, but I've yet to see photographic documentation . . .
I'd go with the above recommendations.
I'd go with the above recommendations.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Steve,
I haven't installed it yet. the plan is next weekend.
I am preping the engine bay and getting it all ready this weekend and hopefully put in the new 383 and TKO next weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
I did check my mounts and they look new. The car was rebuilt by a prevoius owner just before I bought it in 2001. Some things he did good and some not so good
I am planning on putting in the shims this weekend.
Ron,
As for reaching your hand in there, maybe if you had the hands / arms of a 5 year old but not likely for an adult.
Thanks for all your inputs, Mark
I haven't installed it yet. the plan is next weekend.
I am preping the engine bay and getting it all ready this weekend and hopefully put in the new 383 and TKO next weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.
I did check my mounts and they look new. The car was rebuilt by a prevoius owner just before I bought it in 2001. Some things he did good and some not so good
I am planning on putting in the shims this weekend.Ron,
As for reaching your hand in there, maybe if you had the hands / arms of a 5 year old but not likely for an adult.
Thanks for all your inputs, Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Find a local 8-year-old; when he's done removing your speedo cable, he can show you how to hop-up your computer.....and your cell phone.....and your iPod.....and he'll be thrilled to show you the 235 apps he has on his iPhone..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 859
Likes: 53
From: Magnolia Texas
JohnZ's right about that!
Mark, with respect to things like mounts, I always look at it this way... How hard is it to replace them later when compared to the price of the part now. Mounts are CHEAP from places like Oreily or Advance. I think they are under $15.00 for a pair. Don't save a penny and spend a dollar later....
Steve
Mark, with respect to things like mounts, I always look at it this way... How hard is it to replace them later when compared to the price of the part now. Mounts are CHEAP from places like Oreily or Advance. I think they are under $15.00 for a pair. Don't save a penny and spend a dollar later....
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,016
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
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Advanced
Joined: May 2008
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Loosten the 1/4-20 bolts that hold the cluster and pull out a little. It takes some finagling (is that a word?) to get at the cable end but it is possible. I have found it to be easier to work under the dash with the seat out of the car also. I have also thought that I may need the fire dept. to extract me from under the dash if I've been in for more that a half hour.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
JohnZ's right about that!
Mark, with respect to things like mounts, I always look at it this way... How hard is it to replace them later when compared to the price of the part now. Mounts are CHEAP from places like Oreily or Advance. I think they are under $15.00 for a pair. Don't save a penny and spend a dollar later....
Steve
Mark, with respect to things like mounts, I always look at it this way... How hard is it to replace them later when compared to the price of the part now. Mounts are CHEAP from places like Oreily or Advance. I think they are under $15.00 for a pair. Don't save a penny and spend a dollar later....
Steve
I'm not trying to save any money it's just that the mounts looked brand new so why bother replacing them.
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,016
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
Loosten the 1/4-20 bolts that hold the cluster and pull out a little. It takes some finagling (is that a word?) to get at the cable end but it is possible. I have found it to be easier to work under the dash with the seat out of the car also. I have also thought that I may need the fire dept. to extract me from under the dash if I've been in for more that a half hour.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
Speedo Cable
I just did mine for the the TKO 600 install. I removed the hood release bracket, laid on my back and used a pair of channel locks to loosen the screw bezel on the speedo. I did not have to move or remove the cluster or steering column. It is a PIA but is very doable. Lay on your back, swear a lot, and just do it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
I just did mine for the the TKO 600 install. I removed the hood release bracket, laid on my back and used a pair of channel locks to loosen the screw bezel on the speedo. I did not have to move or remove the cluster or steering column. It is a PIA but is very doable. Lay on your back, swear a lot, and just do it.
Greaseslapper,
I'm putting in a Blueprint 383, Centerforce clutch Dual friction. QuickTime belhousing, and a TKO600 (Classic Chevy kit). Hope to be complete within a few weeks. Never enough time to dedicate to it so it's going slower than I'd hoped
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
I just loosened the round nut with the channel locks then reached my hand up there and slowly unscrewed it. I think i used my right hand and kind of push/turned it with one finger. The hard part was installing the new cable. The trick is to just get it started. It took less time then I expected and I was glad that I didn't have to remove the cluster or column.
I installed a Classic Motorsports TKO 600. Just took it out for the first time yesterday. It is a very nice mod. With my 3:70's I cruse at about 2200 RPMs at 70. I was worried that the .64 OD would be too much but as it turns out there is no problem. Even when I shift into
5th at 50 mph. They make a nice kit.
I installed a Classic Motorsports TKO 600. Just took it out for the first time yesterday. It is a very nice mod. With my 3:70's I cruse at about 2200 RPMs at 70. I was worried that the .64 OD would be too much but as it turns out there is no problem. Even when I shift into
5th at 50 mph. They make a nice kit.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Woodsdesign,
Thanks I'll give it a try that way. It sure beats removing the cluster.
Did you install the TKO with the engine in place?
I also bought mine from Classic Motorsports (TKO600)
Larry,
I didn't see my PM but I'll check it out.
Thanks I'll give it a try that way. It sure beats removing the cluster.
Did you install the TKO with the engine in place?
I also bought mine from Classic Motorsports (TKO600)
Larry,
I didn't see my PM but I'll check it out.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
Markiemyster,
I pulled the motor like they recommended. It was a time consuming job but I wanted it done right. I felt that with the effort to move the engine forward it is only a little more effort to just pull it out. The dial indicating and pilot bushing install is also easier with the motor out. The other benefit is that you can detail the engine compartment.
I pulled the motor like they recommended. It was a time consuming job but I wanted it done right. I felt that with the effort to move the engine forward it is only a little more effort to just pull it out. The dial indicating and pilot bushing install is also easier with the motor out. The other benefit is that you can detail the engine compartment.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Abington MA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Woodsdesign,
I am putting in a new 383 at the same time so I had to pull my old engine anyway.
Also like you I wanted to cleanup the engine bay.
When you put it back did you bolt the tranny and engine together and drop it in as one unit or one at a time.
Thanks, Mark
I am putting in a new 383 at the same time so I had to pull my old engine anyway.
Also like you I wanted to cleanup the engine bay.
When you put it back did you bolt the tranny and engine together and drop it in as one unit or one at a time.
Thanks, Mark