C2 speedo cable bounce

[Randy S.]

I recently reinstalled my rebuilt cluster in my 66. The cluster had a new speedo and tach "frame rebuild". I guess that means a new gearset. I now have speedo cable bounce up to about 50 mph, then smooth needle. According to archives this is likely a cable lubrication problem.

I reused the exiting speedo cable (no bounce before). I did not lubricate it because when I tried to remove the cable from the housing there was resistance and I wasn't sure which end the cable can be removed from. There were no significant changes to speedo cable routing except to add the 2 hole grommet at the firewall.

Questions
1 Which end can the cable be removed from the housing?
2 If Speedo end, should I just pull harder? Do I have to undo the trans end too. I recall the cable has a plastic tip for the gauge end.
3 I lubed the tach cable with graphite powder, I never was able to locate "Kable Ease" or GM speedo lubricant.

Comments.

[James W.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

Randy,

You can purchase Kable-Ease from Corvette Central, ses page 37 of their catalog or go online to www.corvettecentral.com and do a search. One tube costs $3.95 and it will last you a long time. I do not recall there being a plastic tip for the speedo end of the cable. This is in a 1964 Corvette, and the speedo cable on a 1967 that I recently had apart did not have the plastic tip either.

The speedo cable can be removed from either end of the plastic speedo cable case. You will have better luck in removing the cable if you disconnect the cable case at both ends, dash cluster and transmission. Once you have the cable case disconnected, pull the cable out, clean it and put some lubricant (Kable-Ease) onto the cable from end to end, reinstall the cable into the case and reconnect.

Regards,

James West

[John H.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

The speedo cable flex shaft must be removed from the cluster end - it won't come out from the transmission end.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

John,

I tried pulling hard with just finger grip on cable before and wouldn't budge. Do I need to also remove the trans fitting end to remove cable from the gauge end?

Randy

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

Randy,

It should slip out very easily from the instrument end without having to remove it from the trans.

When your cable and casing are in this bad shape it would be wise to replace both. It doesn't cost very much (about $25.00) and doesn't take much time. The new one will cure your bounce.

Also, some advise. Don't lube the new cable but put it in like the factory lubed it. Too much lube in the cable is not a good thing. (Martha said so)

Regards,

JR

[Don H.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

Another possible reason it won't come out is if someone used a "universal" cable kit in it that required cutting. If the length is trimmed, they come with a square platic end you melt on. If the plastic was on the opposite side, I don't think you could pull it throught the housing. Don H

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

J. Ray

Thanks for the tips. When I started this project I bought both tach and speedo cables. My friends who just did a 67 said they could not get access to the trans fitting. I wimped out since I do not like getting under a car even with jack stands. So I thought I 'd just lubricate the cable but it wouldn't come out. I replaced the tach cable (27")but it ha small kink in it. replaced it with my original 25" cable.

Anyway I removed the old speedo cable today and will replace with a new cable. This is about my fourth "do over" on this project. I'll keep you posted.

Randy

PS I Looked for you at NCRS Old Town but no booth next to Rogers.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 speedo cable bounce

JR and others,

You were right, new cable fixed the bounce. Old cable didn't bounce with old speedo so may have been a combination of things but new cable works fine.

Randy