1981 Speedometer Cable install
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7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
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1981 Speedometer Cable install
I am scratching my head on how to fix my non-functioning speedometer. I have purchased both a one piece speedo cable and what they described as the lower cable.
My Chilton is not helping me at all. Can anyone give some advice on where to look to to start to replace this guy.
I have an automatic (turbo 350) and non functioning cruise control.
pictures would be greatly appreciated.
My Chilton is not helping me at all. Can anyone give some advice on where to look to to start to replace this guy.
I have an automatic (turbo 350) and non functioning cruise control.
pictures would be greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
the cruise control transducer on the fenderwell may be your speedo problem. mine was shot, so i purchased a single cable for a none cruise control car from Orielly auto for my 79. cost about $13
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
It sounds like you purchased the cruise cables upper and lower for your car.. "I have purchased both a one piece speedo cable and what they described as the lower cable."
If you are going to by-pass the cruise then you'd need only one cable.
To install the cable it would be easier if you removed the speedometer housing from the car which is easy on the 1978-1982 cars. I have instructions here: http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=146
Read that but note: I do find it easier if I remove the upper cable from the old transducer first so that when I pull the housing out I can then reach in and un-clip the old cable vs. trying to unclip it while it is still in the dash. I need to make a re-vision.
When you go back with the cable... route it thought the dash.. and before you hook it to the tranny, hook it to the speedo housing first. Then slide the housing in place and screw everything back together. Then hook it up to the transmission.
correct 1 piece cables for you car can be found here:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...+w%2Fo&x=0&y=0
If you are going to by-pass the cruise then you'd need only one cable.
To install the cable it would be easier if you removed the speedometer housing from the car which is easy on the 1978-1982 cars. I have instructions here: http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=146
Read that but note: I do find it easier if I remove the upper cable from the old transducer first so that when I pull the housing out I can then reach in and un-clip the old cable vs. trying to unclip it while it is still in the dash. I need to make a re-vision.
When you go back with the cable... route it thought the dash.. and before you hook it to the tranny, hook it to the speedo housing first. Then slide the housing in place and screw everything back together. Then hook it up to the transmission.
correct 1 piece cables for you car can be found here:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...+w%2Fo&x=0&y=0
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 75
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I had a new transmission installed on my now 5 speed manual 1981 and they routed the speedo cable right across the exhaust pipe. Needless to say it melted and became non-functional.
I have a replacement - does anyone have a very detailed, very specific set of instructions of exactly where I should route the new one to avoid this problem?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
I have a replacement - does anyone have a very detailed, very specific set of instructions of exactly where I should route the new one to avoid this problem?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Last edited by mattowen; Oct 16, 2012 at 03:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I had a new transmission installed on my now 5 speed manual 1981 and they routed the speedo cable right across the exhaust pipe. Needless to say it melted and became non-functional.
I have a replacement - does anyone have a very detailed, very specific set of instructions of exactly where I should route the new one to avoid this problem?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
I have a replacement - does anyone have a very detailed, very specific set of instructions of exactly where I should route the new one to avoid this problem?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
On my Richmond 5 speed it's on the right side, my old transmission had the cable on the left side and also melted on the exhaust. I routed my new cable as if it was a factory 4 speed the exact way it was listed in the AIM. it doesn't go anywhere near the exhaust now.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
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Mine is a TKO500 and the speedo cable comes out of the tranny just about 2 inches right above where one of the exhaust pipes comes by.
I have the AIM, but it just seemed a little ambiguous on where specifically I should route it - the details in the drawings are a little lacking.
So after it comes off the tranny, where do I start it's path up into the top of the engine compartment?
Do I need any kind of tie-downs to hold it in place? There were none that I could see in the existing installation.
I have the AIM, but it just seemed a little ambiguous on where specifically I should route it - the details in the drawings are a little lacking.
So after it comes off the tranny, where do I start it's path up into the top of the engine compartment?
Do I need any kind of tie-downs to hold it in place? There were none that I could see in the existing installation.
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