My '78 just developed a buzzing noise in its speedometer or its upper cable. It sounds as though the cable just might need lubrication. Obviously, I would like to address the cable aspect first, but I do not see any way to remove the cable end from the speedometer head when I poke my head up under the dash. It appears that the connection is enclosed behind a metal panel, perhaps to prevent tampering, and that I must reomove the guage cluster to release the cable from the back of the speedo. True or false? My expensive service manual set is absolutely no help with this problem!
A month or more ago, one of you gents (sorry, can't recall which one) helped me to locate the NAPA number for the lower speedometer cable which goes from the tranny to the speed control. If it should turn out that I need the upper one, can you do it again? Apparently, you can make that NAPA ProLink site surrender invaluable information --whereas it simply thumbs its virtual nose at me.
B-300
09-25-2008, 11:54 PM
On a van of that vintage you do need to pull the cluster so you can reach in to the latch on the cable.... Disconnect the battery 1st if it has an ammeter so the wiring won't short out.
Chump
09-26-2008, 03:27 AM
My '78 just developed a buzzing noise in its speedometer or its upper cable. It sounds as though the cable just might need lubrication. Obviously, I would like to address the cable aspect first, but I do not see any way to remove the cable end from the speedometer head when I poke my head up under the dash. It appears that the connection is enclosed behind a metal panel, perhaps to prevent tampering, and that I must reomove the guage cluster to release the cable from the back of the speedo. True or false? My expensive service manual set is absolutely no help with this problem!
A month or more ago, one of you gents (sorry, can't recall which one) helped me to locate the NAPA number for the lower speedometer cable which goes from the tranny to the speed control. If it should turn out that I need the upper one, can you do it again? Apparently, you can make that NAPA ProLink site surrender invaluable information --whereas it simply thumbs its virtual nose at me.
Yes...we can do it again. Just let me know what length and ends. Probably about 20"
fins2fuselage
09-26-2008, 08:41 AM
Thanks, B-300 and Chump.
Chump, I had forgotten that was you, and I couldn't find the old "speedometer cable" post.
Someday, I want you to give me a tutorial or the most effective use of that stupid ProLink site (that is what you use, isn't it?). I can look up lots of good numbers in my old NAPA catalogs (I never throw any of 'em away!) which I can never seem to find online. Unfortunately, I don't happen to have an old NAPA speedometer cable catalog . . .
Jeff
fins2fuselage
09-26-2008, 05:32 PM
Yes...we can do it again. Just let me know what length and ends. Probably about 20"
Chump,
The cable I need is 29 1/2 " long. It has a plastic slide connector on the speedo end, and a pot metal nut with 5/8"-18 female threads on the servo end.
Thanks
Jeff
Chump
09-27-2008, 01:03 AM
Chump,
The cable I need is 29 1/2 " long. It has a plastic slide connector on the speedo end, and a pot metal nut with 5/8"-18 female threads on the servo end.
Thanks
Jeff
Jeff
Is this the type of end that snaps onto the speedometer?
fins2fuselage
09-27-2008, 07:44 AM
Jeff
Is this the type of end that snaps onto the speedometer?
Chump,
Yes, that appears to be the critter.
Jeff
Chump
09-29-2008, 01:17 AM
This one won't be as easy to find in the aftermarket. The cable you need shows used only 1978-1980. Looks like NAPA lists a 20" and a 40" and neither will work. The aftermarket was not kind to us Dodge folks for almost any replacement parts due to the lower truck sale volumes but we will survive
! :) When we throw in cruise control, this makes for a bigger availability issue. We may have to have this one built by a speedometer shop. I'll look further.
fins2fuselage
10-03-2008, 08:49 PM
Still looking for a cable as described in post #5, guys. I would settle for "good used".
"Beuller? Beuller? Anybody? Beuller?"
bherder
10-03-2008, 10:16 PM
Awww, C'mon Jeff .... You need to be more like C1DoG .... he makes his parts out of spare hunks of fence post.... :D
fins2fuselage
10-03-2008, 10:49 PM
Awww, C'mon Jeff .... You need to be more like C1DoG .... he makes his parts out of spare hunks of fence post.... :D
Bherder,
I was going to try to make a speedo cable from some copper wire . . . but when I went to look under my truck for for the wire, somebody had already stolen it -- and my exhaust was layin' on the ground!
:D
Jeff
Chump
10-03-2008, 11:50 PM
I'll be goin down to NAPA this weekend and will check their books personally.
The Mopar part# for this is 4114408 and I can't see if it was ever subbed to another number. I'll get back to you. :):)
Here's a partial list of people that build cables, etc.
There are a number of places online that repair tachs,gauges, speedometers and senders, etc. Here's a few...
www.gaugeguys.com
www.autoinstruments.com
www.redlinegaugeworks.com
www.dashusa.com
www.tachman.com
www.bobsspeedometer.com
www.williamsons.com
www.american-classic.com
www.speedometershop.com
www.ccspeedometer.com
www.dandmrestoration.home.mindspring.com
www.paspeedo.com
www.clocksandgauges.com
fins2fuselage
10-04-2008, 08:31 AM
Chump,
Thanks a LOT!
Jeff
Chump
10-07-2008, 02:54 AM
Jeff
Nothing listed in their catalog at NAPA. I tried 2 other sources also with no luck. Have you tried to lube the old one? Looks like you'll need to build one. :bawl:
fins2fuselage
10-07-2008, 08:35 AM
Thanks, Chump. I already bought a cable core kit from NAPA and I plan to install it in the old housing today.
BTW: what do you use to grease those things? I have typically used Lubriplate No. 5 Assembly Grease. Is there something better? The last complete cable I bought (the lower cable for which you provided the number) appeared to have been pre-lubed with something resembling dielectric grease.
Jeff
1972-D100
10-07-2008, 10:19 AM
Here is another place were you can get a hevy duty one made for your truck:
