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[C2] Speedometer issue

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Old Nov 22, 2019 | 03:41 PM
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Default Speedometer issue

Hi Everyone,

I recently bought a 63 Corvette and when I received the car, I noticed that the speedometer was not working.

Did some investigation earlier today, disconnecting the speedometer cable, gear fitting and drive gear (brown). Important to note that, for un obvious reason there is a ratio adapter that has been installed between the dashboard and the gear box.

The cable seems to work fine between the ratio adapter and the dashboard connection. The issue seems to come from the connection from the gear fitting and the drive gear.

Please see pictures below. What do you think ? Any specific reason for installing a ratio adapter ? What would you recommend ?

Many thanks for you help and input ! Just starting to work on my new Vette, so I just want to make sure I do things right !




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Old Nov 22, 2019 | 05:18 PM
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That is not original equipment. In 63 the speedometer cable is gray in color and is one piece from the gauge to the transmission. Just check the rear-end gear ration and that will tell you what plastic gear to put in the transmission.
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Old Nov 22, 2019 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Willis54
Hi Everyone,

I recently bought a 63 Corvette and when I received the car, I noticed that the speedometer was not working.

Did some investigation earlier today, disconnecting the speedometer cable, gear fitting and drive gear (brown). Important to note that, for un obvious reason there is a ratio adapter that has been installed between the dashboard and the gear box.

The cable seems to work fine between the ratio adapter and the dashboard connection. The issue seems to come from the connection from the gear fitting and the drive gear.

Please see pictures below. What do you think ? Any specific reason for installing a ratio adapter ? What would you recommend ?

Many thanks for you help and input ! Just starting to work on my new Vette, so I just want to make sure I do things right !


These adapters are often used (and I believe are adjustable) on many old cars to more accurately tune the speedo to read correctly. If it is not working try a new one. Have you tried connecting the speedo cable directly to the trans?
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Old Nov 22, 2019 | 09:35 PM
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Looks like the cable twisted off in the plastic gear. Probably due to something locking up or the nut was not tight to hold the cable square with the gear. May have cable sheathing damage internally causing excessive torque.
I would replace the complete cable / sheathing assembly with the proper unit. Delete the adapter which may have been installed due to a rear gear change. Find the gear ratio at the differential and order the correct plastic gear for the transmission is my recommendation - if it means anything.
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Old Nov 22, 2019 | 09:52 PM
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I agree with R66, i saw the same after looking at the photos.

Im dealing with the speedometer not reading correctly but ill start another post. Good luck!
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 12:14 AM
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Thank you All for your feedback.

I believe there is a 4.11:1 Positraction rear end, so will replace accordingly 😊

Will keep you posted !

Just wondering if it’s necessary to replace the Gearbox Oil just in case anything from the Speedometer cable went into the gearbox ?

Thanks again ! 😊
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 05:06 AM
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The cable connection is outside of the gear box, so I doubt any metal has entered your transmission. If this is a car you just bought, you might want to change the gear lube just to assure it is fresh, can't hurt anything if you use the right gear lube. Also, you might want to review old posts on here about the correct cable and sheath assembly as I believe I recall some have had problems with the length of the new assemblies. I have never replaced mine so it is just hear say from me. There is no way I would re-use the adapter. You will need a new plastic gear, there is a link on this forum on selecting the proper gear.

Good luck
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Old Nov 23, 2019 | 10:49 AM
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Thank you All for the feedback.

I've just order new drive gear (24 Teeth, Yellow) which should work for my 4.11, gear fitting and Gray speedometer cable

Will keep you posted ! Hopefully that will work and speed will be accurate
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