Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

[Thomas R.]

Am restoring 1973 Vette Speedometer and Tachometer; should both units cables be replaced? If so, what vendor provides NCRS correct cables?

[George H.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

The speedometer cable attaches to the transmission. The tachometer cable attaches to the distributor. Cables are not judged assuming both tach and speedometer work. I have replaced both cables in my '73. Biggest issue over time is keeping them greased. If you advance the distributor too fare, it will cause the tach gear in the distributor to fail over time and may destroy the distributor. For the speedometer, if not greased, the speedometer needle may jump and down at an idle. Why are you replacing them or what are the issues?

George Hunt
'73 LS4, M21

[Leif A.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

Am restoring 1973 Vette Speedometer and Tachometer; should both units cables be replaced? If so, what vendor provides NCRS correct cables?

If you want the best functioning, correct length cables then these would be the only folks to use.

https://speedometercablesusa.com/

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

Thanks for the vendor.

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

The speedometer is failing and being restored, it was suggested to change the cable out because of previous wear. The cable looks OK and needs lubing. What do you think about replacing it? I appreciate your perspective.

[Leif A.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

The speedometer is failing and being restored, it was suggested to change the cable out because of previous wear. The cable looks OK and needs lubing. What do you think about replacing it? I appreciate your perspective.

It's 50 years old. The dash is out for the speedometer, don't you think it would make sense to replace it with a quality piece while you're in there??

[Bill B.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

From personal experience, I replaced my orig. '70 cables with one purchased from one of the popular Corvette parts suppliers. In almost no time at all, the inner speedo cable failed. I thought to myself "Chinese junk". I didn't replace the newly purchased "China" outer cable, but purchased AC speedo inner cores for both speedo and tach. In much shorter time, both inner cables failed!! Upon closer examination, the purchased "China" assemblies had a smaller dia. inner cable and a smaller inner diameter of the outer cable. The AC inner cable had a larger dia. than China, so thus the second failures, due to insufficient rotational working space inside the outer jacket.

I resurrected my orig. GM cables and re-ordered the AC inner cables. Using a PFTE lube (which I even used in the AC with the China outer cables but didn't help), this GM/AC combo has lasted well with NO issues or instrument pointer oscillations.

If you have original cable assemblies, I recommend cleaning, lubing, and re-using. If concerned about wear, perhaps replacing the inner core with genuine AC Speedo cable, cut to original inner length is recommended.

I will also add that I have heard nothing but good things on this board about speedometercableusa.com for quality replacement assemblies.

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

Thanks Bill, good perspective.

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

I'm sending both cables out for replacement. I'll let you know how things go back together! Thanks for all the good perspectives. Meryy Christmas to all!!!

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

Sent cables out to speedoservice.com in Colorado Springs. Got them back; done the old way all metal end and brass roller and washer slipped into the sheeths. Am waiting for the Tack and Speedometer rebuilder. Then the operational test.

[Thomas R.]

Re: Restoring 1973 Speedometer & Tachometer & Cables

Tac and Speedometer cables work great. Not to tough dash work. Thanks for all perspectives.