The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Speedo Problems

Hey guys,
I've got a question, and I might not even be smart enought to give you enough information to answer. My dad and I are working on a '54 3100. We've installed three replacement speedocables. They all work OK, until they twist off at the gauge (original). He's threatening to go with an electronic aftermarket gauge if we can't get this to work and I don't want to lose the original gauges.

Gauge is original, tranny is a T350 (I think).

Any ideas for a dumb girl??
Kimberly
('54 5 Window and '63 3/4 Ton)

the only dunb question is the one that goes on asked!!!!!!! good luck. RON

Mine does that too. I just live without a speedo but I'm sure it's the speedo head at fault. It would wind the needle all of the way around the face of the speedometer just before it would kill the cable. I know there are speedo repair shops out there, I would contact some and see if there's any common problems to the A.D. truck speedo's and get some quotes to get it repaired.
Good luck with it,
Scott

P.S. got pictures? and welcome to the 'Bolt

Thanks Ron and Scott,
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad it isn't just happening to us.
Kim

P.S. My '63 is in the gallery. We just painted the '54 last weekend; I'm hoping to add pics of it to the gallery next week (waiting for some trim parts from Chevy Duty!).

Try oiling the bushing on the back of the speedo head.

Here's a company that has been rebuilding speedometers for a lot of years. They switched most of their business to computers and small electro-mechanical stuff some time ago, but they used to be called "Ohio Valley Speedometer Supply". Give them a call and see if they still fix speedos.

http://www.micro-tech-auto.com

It sounds like the odometer (the mileage part) is locking up and twisting the cable off, or the bushing where the speedo head runs has gotten tight. Oiling it might help for a while, but iot's going to need rebuilding or replacing eventually.
Jerry

Thanks again guys, for the additional advice! My sister and I fixed some electrical problems (much to our surprise!) last night, so tonight, we plan to install a voltage reducer to the gas gauge and work on the speedo.

I am so grateful for your help!
Kim

KIM, until such time you decide to do something about the speedometer might ad a tach they only run about 10.00 to 15.00. i put one on my steering column with a large hose clamp and figured out my rpm verses speed with the help of the calculator on www.randysringandpinion.com and www.1010tires.com for the tire height. a rebuilt speedometer runs about 150.00 but you can buy a new set from www.tpigauges.com with ability to progam for tire size and ring and pinion size while moving all by yourself. cheaper in the long run. keep on trucking!!!!! RON

Ron,
Thanks for the advice. My 18 yr old sister and I spent yesterday morning and afternoon under the truck. We oiled the speedo bushing (hoping it will get us by until I either get the current speedo rebuilt through the firm Jerry recommended (I'm still waiting for a response to my email), or I buy a rebuilt one (found one on eBay for $110). We also installed the voltage reducer, and got the gas gauge working.

The tack is a great idea, especially since I won't have to ruin my dash to do it. I'll check out all three sites you recommended (I could really use it for my '54 AND my stupid Honda Accord Sport Coupe with really-really stupid 17 inch rims and low profile tires . . . I've never known how fast I've been going . . . but I bought the mags and tires because they were "pretty"!!!)

Thanks for helping me out. Since I first posted, we've gotten the truck ready for the road. Putting insurance on it today and hoping to drive it down the road Saturday!!
Kim

Where can you get a tach for $10.00?

My problem isn't the speedo but the odometer. I took the numbers off and tried to fix it but no luck. Where can I get a stock rebuilt, speedo / odometer ?

TAB, speedometers, at chevy duty,jim carter. rebuilt at united speedometer but heard some adverse things on this site about united. do a search on this site there have been some threads over the years. as far as the tach ,i bought mine 25 years ago maybe a little low now. long memory short recall. RON

Tab,
Jim Carter, whom We b Old referred to above, sells several rebuilt units on ebay. Here is his website (I'll be emailing them myself, too). Good luck!

Offered by Jim Carters Antique Truck Parts at www.oldchevytrucks.com.

Kim

TAB and KIMBERLY just received a FREE catalog from www.truckandcarshop.com has speedometers. looks like the guts only for 98.00...RON

Ron! That's great. I'll check them out ASAP. Thanks for letting us know.
K

P.S. Put the truck on the road this weekend for the first time in 5+ years! Speedo working for now (thanks to the oiling advice above) and is reasonably accurate. Having a fuel problem now - changed the filter, but looks like it's the pump. New project!!