Bouncing speedo needle in 54

[Willard M.]

My speedometer needle has just started acting erratic. Cruising along at 45 mph it will swing between 40 and 70, never staying at one speed. As I slow down to 20 mph or less the needle rests at zero. Binding cable or does my speedometer need a rebuild? I'm not sure the old 54 has ever seen 70 mph in reality and maybe it's just trying to act like it has the right stuff.

[Jim L.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Binding cable or does my speedometer need a rebuild?

Rebuild. I'd bet money and an important body part on it.

I'm not sure the old 54 has ever seen 70 mph in reality

That ought to change. 70 MPH in the old crate is a real hoot. I've had our '54 up to (gasp) 75 MPH and it was quite an experience.


Jim

[Alexander C.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

I'm not sure the old 54 has ever seen 70 mph in reality and maybe it's just trying to act like it has the right stuff.

I've had my '56, on original suspension, up to 92 according to my GPS...

[Peter V.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Willard,

Old speedo cables needed to be lubricated to function properly. There's a tool specifically designed to do this. My service guy has one - you may need to find a garage that's been around a while. If not, it can be done from the speedo side of the cable as well (takes more time).
I'd try the lubrication before rebuilding the speedo.

My '61 had the same problem - fixed with lubrication.

[Willard M.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

I have tried putting some light oil down cable from speedo side. Basically I pulled cable into engine compartment and let oil seep down as it extended up beside the carbs. After a short while the needle still bounced but maybe it needs more time. Usually these things don't get solved easily and I'm prepared to pull out the speedo this winter and have it rebuilt. Anyone have rec's on who does a good job if this is the route? Bill

[Peter V.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Willard,

I don't think light oil is sufficient - most use vaseline if taking the cable out of the housing. Again, I think a proper lubrication is probably all you need. But then, I could be wrong!!

[Gary T.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Willard,

I had the same thing happen to my 71..it vibrated so wildly that the end of the needle broke off. I'm sure you don't want that to happen...mine needs a rebuild.

Gary

[Troy P.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

In addition to cable lubrication that has been mentioned there is a need to lube the speedo head. Where the cable attaches to the speedometer you will see a brass sleeve that rotates inside the pot metal frame of the speedometer mechanism. Often a few drops of oil or a quick shot of WD40 between these two elements, which can be accessed without disassembling the speedometer, will do the trick.

[Willard M.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Yesterday I took the cable out and lubricated it with white lithium grease. Today I will give the speedo head a quick shot of WD-40 and see what happens. Here in Maine we are having a rainy period so the test drive may have to wait for a day or so.

[Joe R.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Here's the sequence of events.

1. Fill the speedo cable with grease
2. Shoot WD-40 on the Speedo Head
3. Grease pumps into the Speedo Head
4. 54 Speedo Pointer slams into peg and destroys itself
5. There is no replacement for a 54 POINTER (Fake it at best)

Now comes the old wise saying

"Pay me now or pay me later"

Here's what you should do:

Replace the Speedometer Cable with a NEW one. Maybe not NCRS correct but one that will work.
Have your Speedometer Rebuilt by one of the knowledgeable people that advertise in the "Driveline". After all it is 58 years old.

Save money and time in the end.!!!!!!!

JR

[Ken A.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Attaboy Joe!

[Willard M.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

You guys have convinced me-do it right. The speedometer is now disconnected and will be rebuilt when the season is over. I can certainly drive it this summer and judge my speed by the number of cars that pass me. As I mentioned I'm the guy who hopes that strange noise will just fix itself or maybe that thing will start working again if I let it rest overnight in the garage. Thanks all for your help. Bill

[Robert S.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

Get a Garmin and plug it into the cigarette lighter. Makes an excellent Speedo for the summer.

Bob

[Willard M.]

Re: Bouncing speedo needle in 54

6 volt system