Speedo / Tach cable housing '60

[James M.]

There seems to be little info in the forum archives regarding the housing cover of these cables. I believe that the 60's color is black for this cover and that the black plastic cover should come up over the metal fitting. To my knowledge I have only seen one of these illusive pieces and is was pretty well cracked and deteriorated.

Were the speedo and the tach cables both of similar appearance?

I would appreciate seeing some good photos (close-up) of these cable ends showing where the plastic fits up over the metal and showing any crimping.

Is there anyone out there who can create a cable to the typical factory appearance of the original.

Thanks for the help.

James

[Joe M.]

Re: Speedo / Tach cable housing '60

James, I just examined both of the cables on m 1960 (Dec. 1959 build) and the speedo cable is not original, but I believe the tach housing is original. It is black and the front of the serrated caps have "Delco Spark Plug Div." in tiny raised letters. The housing on the generator end is deterioted and I can not help you there. The plastic housing on the tachometer end has 2.5 to 3.0 inches of exposed metal sheathing showing and the point where the black plastic ends is very straight and smooth. Does not look like Bubba trimmed the plastic cover with a pocket knife.

[Joe M.]

Re: Speedo / Tach cable housing '60

I forgot to respond to the second part of your post. I searched for a good reproduction tach cable and could not find one currently available that is the correct length (60.5" I seem to recall). I also wondered if there was a company that could use my serrated caps and manufacture new cable housings. I did not make calls to any cable companies. I think the problem will be that most manufacturers would be glad to make us 100 cables, but not a few. Not worth the tooling and start up for a handful of cables. Not sure if you have one of the new NCRS DVDs of Restorer magazine articles for 1958 - 1960 cars, but it is well worth the $50 investment. I will search it and if I find any additional info, will pass along.

[Joe M.]

Re: Speedo / Tach cable housing '60

Correction: the serrated cap has "AC Spark Plug Div." on the flat part of the cap (facing the generator).