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Speedometer Cable


Jim Neville

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Finally got everything running great on the C-48, '50 Windsor Convertible and wouldn't you know it, another problem. The speedometer has been acting up lately. It would jump all over the place but once she got warmed up it would be OK. Today, as I was slowing down I could hear it make a grinding noise and then nothing. I have oiled it in the past and that seemed to help but now I figure it's time to change it. My question is does anyone know the length I should order? Recently had back issues so I know I can't go under the dash and disassemble it myself so I was going to order it from Bernbaum or E-Bay and take it to my mechanic for him to fix. Getting old sure sucks sometimes. Not sure if it is 83 inches, 73 inches or 63 inches. Thank you.

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If you are using plain old oil, well it's not what you want to use lubing up a speedo cable.  It's too thick, use a speedo cable lube like Dorman 03344.

 

For my 51 Plymouth I used an ATP Y803 it was a bit too long for a prefect fit, but it works, 83" long.  Next shortest one I could find, off the shelf, was too short.

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Make sure to oil the Speed-o-meter as well.  it could be that the speed-o-meter was binding up with the trans pushing the cable causing it to twist and break.   I just shoot some dry silicone into the cable port on the back of the speed-o .  I have heard there is a pair of wicks that need to be oiled as a part of maintenance.  But I am not sure where they are.

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I fixed my erratic speedo issue by removing it and using 3in1 oil on the gears.  Lubing cable did not fix mine. No wicks in my ‘38 speedo. 

Edited by keithb7
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There is a thread called "Speedometer needle bouncing" that should answer most of your questions as to why the speedo is bouncing and what to lube it with. You should be able to reach under your dash and feel the connection of the speedo cable and undo by hand. They shouldn't be that tight. I usually reach under, disconnect and pull it out in the car. Then clean and lube with white lithium, re-install and screw it back in. 

Check to make sure the cable is broke, if the cable is broke, measure the pieces and go from there.

 

Joe Lee 

Edited by soth122003
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