Thank you Tim!
Since I am needing a new speedometer cable anyway, I'll buy one and try the 52'-9 1/2" measure method first.
If it checks out, great... I only need to connect my new cable to the speedometer and I'll determine that my old cable was the problem after all.
If it doesn't check out, I'll have the tools to determine correction. One handy tip noted was the "ten turns" for the cable at that distance.
Good luck with the '54!
Jerry