68 Speedometer cable confusion
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
68 Speedometer cable confusion
The old speedometer cable is the red one on the right. (see picture). It seems to be broken. I believe the rest of it is in the back of the speedometer as it looks like there is something red in there. If my assumption is correct, how do I get the piece out of the speedometer? I cant seem to get it out from the back side yet.
( p.s., they look different sizes because one is closer to the camera. But they are actually the same.)
The cable on the left is the new one. It is formed into a square shape at the end. Is this the correct replacement or is it supposed to be red plastic too? If I need the red one can someone tell me where to get a new one. I can't find it in the catalogs.
I appreciate any help.
( p.s., they look different sizes because one is closer to the camera. But they are actually the same.)
The cable on the left is the new one. It is formed into a square shape at the end. Is this the correct replacement or is it supposed to be red plastic too? If I need the red one can someone tell me where to get a new one. I can't find it in the catalogs.
I appreciate any help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
It looks like the end of that red one might have been a long square shaft like the new one. It could have broken off and that could be the red that you are seeing inside the speedo.
I don't have any suggestions for getting it out if that's what it is.
I don't have any suggestions for getting it out if that's what it is.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
So you do know for sure that the new one is correct?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The cable on the left looks like the correct replacement part. The one on the right is a generic cars parts store cut-to-fit.
Try heating a pin red hot and pushing into the red piece inside the speedo. Let it cool and gently pull it out.
Try heating a pin red hot and pushing into the red piece inside the speedo. Let it cool and gently pull it out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I believe you're going to have to bite the bullet and remove the speedo from the dash. You really can't get to the rear of it with it in the dash and you are not likely to see what's up with the red plastic with it in the dash.
Correct drive for 68 is a screw on square cable per the one on the left in your pic.
Correct drive for 68 is a screw on square cable per the one on the left in your pic.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
Thanks guys for the help. I am off and running again! Love the hot pin idea. It might just work. But I am wondering if i can PUSH the broken piece out from the meter side.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
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I usually take a piece of bowden cable and make a few notches in it with some wire cutters... gives the cable teeth.. heat to a glow and insert till cool.. works every time.
But.. the next question... usually when a cable is broken at the speedo/tach head, there is an issue with the head.. so don't be surprised if this happens again.
Willcox
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
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From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
This is exactly how I remove them... lol.. I'm impressed..
I usually take a piece of bowden cable and make a few notches in it with some wire cutters... gives the cable teeth.. heat to a glow and insert till cool.. works every time.
But.. the next question... usually when a cable is broken at the speedo/tach head, there is an issue with the head.. so don't be surprised if this happens again.
Willcox
I usually take a piece of bowden cable and make a few notches in it with some wire cutters... gives the cable teeth.. heat to a glow and insert till cool.. works every time.
But.. the next question... usually when a cable is broken at the speedo/tach head, there is an issue with the head.. so don't be surprised if this happens again.
Willcox
I don't want to put this dash together only to learn that I need to take it apart again. I installed the cables on both the speedometer and tach and attached a hand drill running in reverse. They both seem to run fine, not noisy, no needle jump. The faceplates do not need refurbishing. So what are my chances I am ok? If I wanted to send them both in to you what would it cost for a simple functional inspection and lubrication? PM me if you prefer.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
It's possible that the aftermarket cable end caused it's own problems. They're not a very good design. If it turns out that the instrument is faulty, then Ernie will fix you right up.
He comes highly recommended.
He comes highly recommended.