C2 Tach Cable Replacement

[Dave K.]

Has anyone recently replaced the inner tachometer cable on thier car? How accessible is the cable fitting on the cluster under the dash? I connected the cable to the cluster while reassembling my 66 but the steering column, front seat ansdsteering wheel were removed. Now the car is back together.

Any tricks here? Must the driver's side seat be removed to gain better access and to lay under the dash? Anything else need to be removed?

Thanks,
Dave Kitch
33108

[Stephen P.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

I've had luck disconnecting and reconnecting the tach cable by using the long machine screws and sliding the cluster out as far as it will go with the steering wheel remaining in the car. Taking the driver's seat out makes it a lot easier and is well worth the effort unless you're body is a lot more flexible than mine. I wasn't happy with replacing the inner part of the cable and would recommend buying a new cable assembly. Several vendors sell a cable that is too short, so be sure you measure your old cable to confirm the correct length if you go the new cable route.

[Dave K.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

I'd prefer not to have to move the cluster -- concern with pulling lights out of sockets, etc.

Dave K.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

I did both the tach and speedo cable, pulled them out to lube them. As long as bubba didn't tighten the ends to tight. I did take the drivers seat out though.
Also the vent cables were in the way. I unscrewed them from the dash and moved them out of the way. Mike

[Jason B.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

Dave,

I've replaced the inner tach cable on my 65 recently, so I can tell you that it CAN be done without removing anything. I didn't remove the seat, didn't loosen the steering column, or loosen anything else either. This whole thing may depend on how tight the cable was screwed to the housing in the first place though, I attached the cable to the housing 'snug' when installing the housing into the dash. If it was originally put on fairly tight then it might not come off without more work.

Good luck

JasonB

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

Dave,

It can be done without removing anything, but it's tough. If the connection is on too tight, try one of those long needle nose pliers with the loop in the end like they use for pulling spark plug wires, or a similar tool, just to break it loose. Once it is loose, then you can reach in, in a contorted position, and screw it off with your fingers, by feel.

And then make an appointment with your Chiropractor, I had to.

Putting it back on is just as tough.

Removing the driver's seat adds a little comfort to it. Just 4 bolts and your done. Might save a trip to the Chiropractor.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

Dave,

I replaced my inner tach cable by just reaching under the dash and unscrewing it and pulling it out. Find a position that allows the outer housing to be as straight as possible, which for me was off to the driver's side, before removing the old inner cable as well as inserting the new one. You don't need to remove the cable fitting from the distributor.

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

Rob did you use any lubricant on the cable for installation? If so what kind?

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Tach Cable Replacement

Jim,

I put vaseline on it. I did need to very slightly grind the squared end of the new cable(distributor side) that went in first, it was binding slightly making it difficult to insert into the outer cable. I bought the new inner cable at Napa and cut it to length.