1958 Corvette- Well, I finally tackled replacing the speedometer cable on my 1958. I DID NOT remove anything other than the driver's seat and the transmission cross member support underneath to get to the transmission end of the cable.
I purchased a ZIP metal cased speedometer cable. I felt that the speedometer end cable was a little short so I installed some real small flat washers to extend the cable out of the sheathing.
I removed the speedometer end first and then tackled the transmission end. I have a BENPAK lift so my job was made easier. I still spent approximately three hours on the entire project.
The ZIP cable is WAY BETTER than the rubber one I replaced.
I could NOT have been able to unscrew the speedometer cable at the speedometer without the LONG VISE GRIP tool that I happen to own. It was a very slow process but it got the job done.
As far as the transmission connection, once the cross member support was removed, it was very easy to get to the connection.
Attached are pictures of the tool and the cable removed and new one installed. I have NOT tested the car yet but would be very surprised if it does not work. If it does not work, it is something beyond the cable for sure.

LG,
Mike

New ZIP steel cased cable.

Old rubber coated cable that was removed.

The tool that made unscrewing the cable at the speedometer possible.

The new cable is supported by the two hooks designated for that purpose. The OLD cable was not and may have been too short.

 

WELL, story of my life..............why always ME. The cable LOOKED great, ONLY problem is that it DOES NOT work. The NOISE went away but the speedometer needle keeps on sleeping.
Had to remove the cross member again and support the trans/motor so I could unscrew the cable from the tranny. The cable came off OK but the square end that goes in the speedometer gear broke off and stayed with the gear. The square steel connector is attached to the cable by crimping it to the cable. One would think it would be welded.

Very POOR quality work to say the least.

I read a lot of suggestions to NOT purchase from "ZIP Corvette", too bad I read them AFTER I had already purchased the cable.
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The other issue I'm having is with the soft top LH clamp. The one that came with the car broke off at the base. It was a very tight fit and a lot of unnecessary tension was being placed on it.
The new one I purchased is real nice but IT WILL NOT clamp down. The right side works great. The TOP is a little tight.
I'm going to do research to see how I can make it work. Nothing ever works nice and easy for me.

LG,
Mike

 

Mike,
Sorry to hear about your cable issues. The folks in the link below can make the correct cable for you.

https://speedometercablesusa.com/

 

Thanks, I sent them an email and will contact them on Monday.

Right now I'm trying to find information on how to adjust the front latches on the soft top. The RH works fine but the LH will NOT lock up. I have an idea of what needs to be done to make the top meet the windshield frame but would like to have confirmation on how it is supposed to be done. I know I'm NOT the only one who has had this issue.............................LOL

 

I just wanted to inform you all that I finally RESOLVED my speedometer cable issue.
The first cable I installed was a metal shield type cable. The one I removed from the car was a black plastic type. The wire shield cable I installed broke off at the plastic gear in the transmission. I feel that it was a poor crimped connection and, in my opinion, should have been welded. I purchased is from ZIP Corvettes. THEY DID REFUND ME MY MONEY.
I contacted the outfit in Missouri that rebuilds these speedometers and sells cables. In a 'nutshell' the guy I spoke with tried to convince me to send him my speedometer because he feels that it was the speedometer gear that was the cause of the cable breaking off at the transmission.

I felt really bad during my first installation for NOT testing the cable before I finished the installation. So, I decided to purchase another cable from O'Reilly's. It was the exact replica that I removed, and it is 63" inches long. The tip of the cable that attaches at the transmission is welded or pressed to form and looked to be a much better quality. Not to mention is was less expensive than the one from ZIP.
This time I did test it. It turned by hand and when I used the drill motor in reverse, the speedometer responded beautifully. I was elated with the results and to 'add icing on the cake', I did NOT have to remove the transmission cross member nor mess with the steering column in order to mount and tighten the cable ends. It was a very tight fit for my hands and almost impossible to do. Of course, I had to become Houdini under the dash. The transmission end was a breeze because I have the car on a lift.
NICE TO HAVE EVERYTHING WORK OUT WAY THEY IT SHOULD FOR A CHANGE.

 

I always use the parts from Corvette Central, they are higher priced especially on shipping but the parts have always been correct