How much of the drivers side dash has to come out to replace a tach cable.

 

If you are going to replace the cable, access is needed. There is not much play to get to the cable cover. I would drop the entire instrument cluster panel about 2-3" to get to the cable release on the back of the tach and to the see the cable assembly. I would also disconnect the speedo connector for easier access on pulling the panel down. To do this you need to drop the steering column and take out all the screws around the inst. side. The procedure is in the Chiltons or Haynes repair manual. After dropping the column lift the dash and pull the inst. panel forward toward you and disconnect the tach and speedo cables from the back. There is a small spring clip holding the lip of the cable on. Watch for the instrument lamps and the vacuum lines on the headlight switch. If you have some burnt out ones now is the time to replace. Disconnect the tach cable from the distributror. Watch for the square insert in the dist. that comes out. Pull the old cable all the way out, grease up the new one with white lithium and feed it in the liner. Reverse the assembly.

Some people claim they get it from the bottom. Maybe if you have very small hands and are made of rubbber to get under there. Good luck.

 

You can change the cable without removing anything!!!! At least I managed - yes it is very tight out there but if you just find suitabble position for you hands when laying on the drivers floor it is possible!!!

 

what kind of connection is on the back of the tach threaded ?

 

No threads, there is that black "ring" (which is a bit up from other side usually underside) around the cable, you need to push it against the back of the tach back cover and when it is pushed against the cable is free to be drawn away...

 

i changed the spedo and tach without dropping anything ,just push on the retaining clip and pull the cable out of the back of spedo or tach there the same,then pull from the other side of firewall to get the cable out ,disc the threaded hub from dist for the tach and the threaded hub from the trans for the speedo

 

I had to remove the plastic vent hose, and dropped the stearing column. But if you have small hands and can see what your doing you could probly do it with out taking any thing loose. There are probly some tricks or special tools but I didnt have them. Once I got the old one off I got lucky with my wife poking the new one threw the firewall I guided it in to position and it just clicked in place.

 

To get the cable off push the clip down with a screwdriver or your finger and have a helper pull the cable off from under the hood. The hard part is getting both hands in a small area but the helper makes it easy.

 

This is what we did. And make sure the helper (the one under the dash) is either a contortionist or 20 years younger than you.

 

...and that you have a box of BandAids handy.

 

Not fun but can be done.