79 speedometer cable retention

[gchocevar]

I just purchased a new speedometer cable for my 1979 spider. The old one was just hanging there. I am having trouble keeping the new speedometer cable fastened to the speedometer. It seem like it locates into the speedometer OK but I can keep the plastic connector to lock into position. I don't want to break the new one. Is there a clip or somthing to lock it in place that I am missing?

I am waiting for the snow to melt to get this 2 year restoration on the road!!!

Thanks,
Greg

[Tobi]

When I changed my 85mph speedometer for a 120mph I had the same problem. It is holding in there but who knows for how long. I thought they maybe changed it with the different models and your new cable is maybe from a different year.

[gchocevar]

IAP had a solution. They had a bad batch of cables. Remove the wire drive from the cable. Then drill out the plastic speedo connector with a 1/2 inch drill another 1/8 inch down into the housing. It then locked into place.

[manoa matt]

Are you drilling out the connection on the back of the speedo gauge, or the clip end of the speedo cable? I would not drill out the speedo gauge as any other cable might not connect properly and then you always have that problem.

The clip is notorious for being hard to install or stay latched, but once it does, it should stay. A better solution is to use a hose clamp as there is no permanent modification or damage to any of the components.

[gchocevar]

Matt,

We drilled out the back of the plastic speedo cable retention clip, not the speedo. I drilled it out to a depth of almost 1/8 inch. What it took was about 1/16 inch more or 3/16 total depth. Without doing this the cable had no chance of making it on and locking.

Did you see my other post on transmission front bearing? I would like to hear from you on that.

Thanks,