speedometer cable help

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
So Cal Mark

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by So Cal Mark »

here are some pix of a firewall without the booster. The hole with the raised ridge is the clutch cable spot, and the hole to the right is for the speedo cable
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TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Thanks for going to the trouble Mark!! Mine is definately covered up by the steel reinforcing panel there. Why the heck did they cover that up!! Grrrr
Hmm I wonder how difficult it is removing the clutch cable? Then I could remove that plate and modify it perhaps enough to open the hole back up.
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
So Cal Mark

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by So Cal Mark »

the tricky part of the clutch cable is getting the cable properly seated in the pedal fork
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TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Today I went to a friend's place and spent about 4 hours working on this issue. I removed the clutch cable and the reinforcing plate, cut a hole in it, reinstalled the plate, clutch cable and installed the speedometer cable. I took it for a few block to test it out and it worked for a few blocks.... then it quit...... I told myself it had just popped off from behind the dash. I got back to my place and checked that connection, drove it with the cable sticking out nothing.... So I crawled under it and removed the cable, it was broken about 2.5 inches from the end. :x UUUUUGH! What gives?
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
So Cal Mark

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by So Cal Mark »

is your speedo head frozen?
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TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Speedo head? The Speedo itself? The Speedo worked for a few blocks. How can I tell? take it out and hook it up to a drill perhaps?
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
racydave

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by racydave »

The cable will need to turn freely. A reversable drill works. There probably is something bound. A tight turn in the cable causes a bind also. Also lube the cable.
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TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Well the speedo works just fine. I just got it up to 60 MPH in my living room! LOL! Well I suppose that's good news eh?
The solution must be the weakest link in the chain... Myself of course! :oops: I am sure the bend was too severe. I'll see if I can find a store that sells just the inner cable I suppose..
Wish me luck!
Clark
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
User avatar
TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Ok I found a do-it yourself inner cable, got it cut and crimped to correct length. I lubed it with silicone spray. I hooked it up to the speedo and tested it with my drill and it works just fine. I ran out of daylight pretty much after that. :| Man I miss my old garage! :x Now I gotta see if my friend will be doing anything tomorrow evening because the hole in the fabricated plate is the right size, but the opening in the firewall doesn't line up completely of course!! :( So I need to take the clutch cable loose once more. Replacing it was pretty close tolerance on the pedal so I need an extra hand anyway. Hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll have a speedo! Does anyone have any routing tips?
Tired Clark
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
User avatar
TulsaSpider
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:33 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spyder 124 2L
Location: Tulsa, Ok

Re: speedometer cable help

Post by TulsaSpider »

Wwll I slapped it back togather again and success! Well far so good I drove it the 3 miles home and no probs!
Thanks for all the great help everyone!! :D Now I can get to that laundry!! :|
1978 Spyder 1800 make that 2L! Finally making real progress!
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