Replacing tach cable
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,815
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
Replacing tach cable
I read the answer to a thread that said on a '72, you can replace this cable without removing the dash, believe they mentioned reaching up behind the tach and, well, ...................... this evening I removed the a/c duct and still could not feel or locate that cable. So I turned myself upside down and after working my way under the dash, finally located the cable by sight, and after it comes thru the firewall, it goes between, I think, the dash and a metal plate that spans about 4 inches up/down and about 12 inches across, centering at the steering column. No way to get hands or tool back there. Has anyone tried to do this replacement without removing the dash, would really appreciate directions? For some silly reason, I figured that once it came thru the firewall, it would go straight and clear to tach. Silly me.............. Getting 
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I've changed mine several times without removing the dash. The first time is the hardest because you have to learn how the cable attaches. Whenever I've had to reach up behind the dash, I usually end up with a bunch of cuts on my hands... 
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: dallas ga
I think it is easiest to drop the steering column down and teake the drivers side of the dash down enough to get it from the top.I just replaced mine and the most frustrating part was convincing the Auto Zone counter person that they did sell a universal replacement cable.After a phone call to another store we found they did have one in stock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
I have not tried replacing the cable with the dash in but I have released the cable from the back of the tach so I could replace the inside part (it snapped inside).
I had my wife pull on the tach cable in the engine compartment while I pushed the clip holding the cable to the tach housing. I could not get the leverage to hold the clip over and pull on the cable at the same time. Using my lovely assistant made it very easy.
Oh yeah, as ArtVette73 said, it helps to have small hands.
I had my wife pull on the tach cable in the engine compartment while I pushed the clip holding the cable to the tach housing. I could not get the leverage to hold the clip over and pull on the cable at the same time. Using my lovely assistant made it very easy.
Oh yeah, as ArtVette73 said, it helps to have small hands.
