Correct 64 tachometer cable color

[M W.]

Well here I go again. I was looking through my score sheets from several recent meets and noticed I am always deducted a point or so for the incorrect cable. No mention of what is wrong. Can only assume color. Mine is a black cable which has been there since day one as far as I can tell. The car is a July, 64 car so it could possibly have some 65 parts on it. Not sure what color was used in 65 but maybe it's black as well. Now according to the judging guide the 64 should be a slight gray/beige color. Does anyone else have one close to this color or is black an acceptable color? Also what does the term Teleflex mean on the housing?

Thanks,
Craig W.

PS: Any pictures are greatly appreciated.

[M W.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

TTT..anyone

[Mike E.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

I have the light beige one on my May 64 car. Generally the black ones were GM service parts and came later.

[William C.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Black in '65, later versions (service) also have a different crimp at the end fitting.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

TTT..anyone

Craig -- This is probably from a '65, as most of my cars have been this MY. Big end of course is the distributor conn; small is the tach head conn. under the instr. panel.

Notice crimp and teleflex identifier. This cable is approx. 22" bell-to-bell end.

[William C.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Looks like a real nice original 65-67 model.

[M W.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Does anyone have a correct 64 tach cable they would like to trade for a correct 65?

Thanks,
Craig

[Alan D.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Hold off on that move!!!!! If you can find a gray/tan or whatever cable purchase it for show, however do not (do not) get rid of that black one.
I have the same problem so been looking at many original cars at NCRS events and at pictures in Nolands book, pg 221,230, which have the black cables.

Know this cable deal has been discussed a lot in the past. Another problem some are having is when purchasing a correct cable its just tooo long! Been keeping a list of different cable lengths and there are a lot. Have noticed a trend that the black cable exists on FI cars, but that's only a feeling since I always look at these first. Did see an original early silver 64 (non FI) Original Owner this year at a club event with the black cable and he claims the cable was never replaced.

Do not believe the real story has been told on these cables yet.

[David D.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Craig,
Finally got arond to looking at mine and another buddies. Both are Black.

Point of mild confusion: What went wrong with ALL the original tach cables that 80-90% now have black ones? I've owned my car for 28 years and never replaced. Car only has original 50K miles.

Why would GM make a gray or beige color original and then change to black for over the counter? Just seems like an unneccessary change, just to confuse my brain.

David

[William C.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

I hate to bring reality into this discussion, but '65 was one of the years when Chevrolet got into one of the periodic "Engine Beautification" programs. If you look at the engine wiring for a '64 you see all kinds of colors used to differentiate circuits for the service world, (and also to make the wiring easier to build) and then in '65, the base color was black with small stripes used to id each circuit. Eventually, after a year or so of complaints from Service, as well as higher costs for the wiring, they reverted back to colors. My point is that to the marketing genius who caused that turmoil, an 0ff-white or tan tach cable would have been totally unacceptable. Thus, 65 was black. The parts are functionally interchangable, so the current production (black) part is used for service 64 and up and all is well, as long as you are not trying to restore a car to original configuration. Just a little insight into the reality of Chevrolet marketing in the 60's.

[Alan D.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Hold off on that move!!!!! I repeat myself, but necessary. If you are concerned about judging than buy what the book wants, BUT do not give up the Black Cable. Save Black Cable in case the book changes & it will in certain areas as more is learned.

As mentioned before the early 64 original owner car had the black cable, a 55K mile late 64FI car (at 08Nationals, top) has the black cable (but a late car may have gotten a 65 part)
and mine has the black cable. Owned since Aug 67, that's 41 years and only I work on the car. The second owner from spring 66 to Aug 67 only had two items replaced which did not include FI stuff. Now I'm not saying anyone is mistaken - just save that cable since time may change things.

[William C.]

Re: Correct 64 tachometer cable color

Just to add a little to the investigation, I checked the part numbers in the AIM for 63-64 and 65MY. The 63 had two, 3844016 and a late (June) change to 6409854. 64 then went back to the first '63 part number 3844016. 65 changed again to 3866126, used for the full year, at least per the AIM. I hope someone can sort it all out at some time.