Speedometer Cable

[Christopher R.]

I'm thinking of replacing my incorrect speedometer cable in my '62. Will it be necessary to unbolt the speedometer housing/dash panel in order to unscrew the cable from the back of the speedometer and thread the new cable in there? Or, can the housing be left in place?

[Edward J.]

Re: Speedometer Cable

Chris, Have you tried to reach your hand under the dash and unscrew the threaded fitting? I think you maybe able to. the last time I replaced C1 speedo it was a 59 and did with no issues. although your other end on 62 heads to the Trans. this will require car being on jack stands or a lift to remove.

[Richard M.]

Re: Speedometer Cable

Yes it can be done without cluster removal. I have many times. You need to use 2 hands/fingers, with a turning motion using each hand on either side of the knurled knob counterclockwise to remove, clockwise to install.

Check that new cable end against the original. I have had several that were too long and created a bind on the speedometer head. The last few I did I had to file the end. My first time finding this anomaly was lucky. After I installed it, I was about to connect my drill to the transmission end for a quick test. Before I did, I did a quick test by hand, found the cable in a bind, and fixed it at the other end by filing it down. If I had connected the drill, the cable would have broken.

Also, before you insert the new cable through the hole in the fiberglass and grommet(if present) behind the cluster, place the knurled coupler near the end of the cable, and wrap several loose layers of masking tape around the cable to hold the coupler in place. You will do this to prevent the coupler from riding down the cable out of reach/view. If you don't have this "retainer", you could make your task much harder.