1968 Speedo Cable Install

[robert campbell]

All,
I need to put a speedo cable in the 68 coupe that I am working on. It is an air conditioned car so I thought I would quiz the experts. I have done many of these, but hope there may be an easier way....

Basically I remove the steering wheel and blinker lever to get them out of my way. Lay a towel on the steering column. Remove the heater switch assembly and the screws that hold the instrument cluster in. Move it out far enough to get wrench on the nut, loosen it and remove off speedo. Remove front seat to get under dash and then snake old cable out and snake new cable in. Reverse procedure and then hook up underneath.

Only thing I left out is whether the large "tinnerman" nut above the ashtray is on the cluster panel. If so the ashtray and bracket come out to gain access to that stupid nut. Funny how my cars do not have that nut on them....

Anything about an air conditioned car I should know?
Is there an easier way?
Can you come over and do this for me?

Rob

 

[Ruppstang]

Rob I use the same procedure and I would remove the ash tray and that sheetmetal nut. If it is there do not loose it they are hard to find. I would remove the cluster completely so you do not need to work from the bottom. That is easier for us old guys.
Marty

 

[Mosesatm]

Rob,
Be super careful when unscrewing the HVAC controls. Loosen or remove the bottom two screws first so you don't put any pressure on the fragile chrome frame.

 

[franklinair]

+1, +1: As Marty said-remove the cluster altogether. As Marty said- remove the ashtray. As Arlie said- remove the two lower screws on the A/C Control panel first so as not to put a strain on the lower area where the left duct attaches. (ALTHOUGH- the new repo's for this piece are exceptional.)
Your request "to come over and do this for me" seems reasonable. Just send me a First Class round trip ticket from ATL to SEA, and I'll be there.:wink: (labor is free.)

Neil

 

[robert campbell]

Thanks guys!! Neil I wish I could afford that ticket!! You make me smile!!!

Rob

 

[Ruppstang]

Rob,
Be super careful when unscrewing the HVAC controls. Loosen or remove the bottom two screws first so you don't put any pressure on the fragile chrome frame.

Good catch Arlie you are so right!

 

[Ruppstang]

+1, +1: As Marty said-remove the cluster altogether. As Marty said- remove the ashtray. As Arlie said- remove the two lower screws on the A/C Control panel first so as not to put a strain on the lower area where the left duct attaches. (ALTHOUGH- the new repo's for this piece are exceptional.)
Your request "to come over and do this for me" seems reasonable. Just send me a First Class round trip ticket from ATL to SEA, and I'll be there.:wink: (labor is free.)

Neil

I realize that Neil has more experience but I work cheap. I would come for a coach fare!

 

[robert campbell]

this is why you go to the experts!!! You guys are the best!!!

 

[robert campbell]

speedo cable done.... Pulled the old one out. all was going good. Got the new one in and got the firewall seal in.... all going great..... Try to connect new cable to speedo...... grunt grunt.... will not go in..... grunt grunt.... go cut off end of old one..... slips right in......

so about five minutes with emery paper on the end that goes into the speedo.... finally goes in....

get dash pretty much in.... decide for electrical check before full bolt in. Dash lights.... nada.... blinkers..... nada..... start to panic.... pull on park lights again..... very dim park lights and tail lights... grounds?? tighten up the cluster screws... nada.....

Gee, put battery charger on near dead battery..... Everything works....

Gee whiz rob.... time to quit....

 

[Ruppstang]

It is a very good idea when working behind the panel to disconnect the battery. Not fun to have a arc and bash your head in to something.

 

[robert campbell]

she was disconnected.... But she went dead over the last month I guess.....

 

[somethingspecial]

It is a very good idea when working behind the panel to disconnect the battery. Not fun to have a arc and bash your head in to something.

Marty, I thought banging your head was all part of the experience. You either bang you head under the dash, hood, transmission......, or you climb out of the car and bang you head into the wall with frustration. Isn't that what is taught in mechanics 101?

 

[Mosesatm]

The worst one has to be the hood latch!!! It's a tool-thrower.

Another one that hurts like a bugger is the pointy top of the vent window frame, when the side window is rolled down.

 

[Ruppstang]

Marty, I thought banging your head was all part of the experience. You either bang you head under the dash, hood, transmission......, or you climb out of the car and bang you head into the wall with frustration. Isn't that what is taught in mechanics 101?

May be that is why there is not much hair left on top.

Rob I am not surprised you had it unhooked it must be on it's last legs to go dead un hooked in a month.