The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1940 spedometer cable repair...

I have a speedometer cable that seems to be missing the square end on the connection to the transmission side. I'm wondering of anyone has seen or made a square end that fits on the cable (crimp on?) and connects to the square shaft that drives the cable.

(I'm trying to avoid replacing the whole thing when it seems to be missing just a small part:-)

thanks, Doug

Photos here:
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Yes, in the help section at the parts store. I've repaired four so far and had success with three of them.

Thanks Fried,

I'm having a little trouble finding something specific in "the help section at the parts store"...

should I be looking in "swap meet, truck parts for sale"? or in tech tips...?

thanks for any further pointers!

Doug

Actually I was referring to the store near your home with bricks and windows. You should find a speedometer repair kit there for a few bucks.

Ha -- Now why didn't I think of that? I stop by the store on my way home.

Thanks!

I have heard gm used the same part number for speedo cables from 1937-1987. They couldn't be all that expensive to find a new one. Fix it right!

Quick update on the slow repair process...

- For $11.95 I got a replacement speedo cable shaft with both ends intact.
- I cleaned and lubricated the "right angle" mechanism at the transmission end of the cable.
- My speedometer was making an odd "non lubricated bearing" sound (and felt a bit "sticky") when I turned the cable by hand from the transmission end.
- I worked graphite powder into the shaft at on the back of the speedometer itself to make it turn more freely...

Result: Speed-o-meter still not working.

I now wonder whether the transmission is turning the gears in the "right angle" connector at all. Out of the transmission comes a small rod with a flat portion pressed into the end. When I put the right angle piece on this rod with a flat portion goes into a hole with a slot in the right angle piece...

Anyone have any ideas on how to check where the system is not making connection?

thanks,

Doug

Hook everything up except the cable to the spedo,drive the truck or jackit up and run it see if it turns if not move down the line section at a time till you find the problem.The bottom end of the cable didnt have a tip they were just swedged square. I had a tool to do this but its long gone. It looked like a small press and you smacked it with a hammer. It would cut the cable and square it and I beleive it would crimp the end on the top end of the cable.