Old Man Needs Help

[FK1930]

I have been working on the speedometer of my newly purchased 1930 Model A. The speedometer didn't work so I removed it and the speedometer cable. Neither the cable or the speedometer head would turn so I purchased a rebuilt oval speedometer and a new cable and housing. I tried installing them today and discovered that on the lower end the cable I purchased had a keyed end and couldn't be connected. It appears to need the 1/8" square cable end as the same as the speedometer head. Do I have to purchase another cable with the same 1/8" square ends or would I have to change a gear on the transmission end? This is a major project for a 81 year old Senior Citizen. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

[rotorwrench]

Ford used the large square drive on the oval speedo and a keyhole shaped drive on the torque tube turtle drive housing. With the change to the round speedo in 1930, they went to square drives on both ends. It would be less trouble to just look for the cable you need. The drives have different gear ratio tooth counts to work with the rear axle ratio the car has so a person needs the correct assembly to make it work right. It also needs the correct drive socket shape for the speedo in use.

[kbinde2]

Just a suggestion..

Get in touch with papanick (FordBarn Member).. he rebuilds
and at times has units in stock that he has for sale. Lots of knowledge there.!

kb

[chap52]

Can you use the innards from the old cable? Chap

[FK1930]

I was told by the business that I bought the new speedometer cable from that all I would have to do is the get a speedometer drive gear shaft part
# A-17273-R and install it and the new cable would insert into it. Would anyone have one???

[rotorwrench]

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The model A parts sources usually have the little shafts. Getting the old stuff apart in one piece can be a challenge though. The shaft is keyed to the gear and it's inside the turtle housing. Hopefully it all comes apart without too much difficulty.

[nkaminar]

Replace the cable. A speedometer shop, if you can find one, can do the work for you and possibly modify the old cable.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by FK1930

I was told by the business that I bought the new speedometer cable from that all I would have to do is the get a speedometer drive gear shaft part
# A-17273-R and install it and the new cable would insert into it. Would anyone have one???

Snyder's has the part. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...d=977034&cat=0

[FK1930]

I think I will try to find a good used speedometer gear case with the shaft installed for the round keyed speedometer cable that I bought.

[rotorwrench]

Make sure it has the correct tooth count to match the rear axle ratio you have.

[gdmn852]

Hello, as mentioned ,Snyders has speedometer cables available to fit with key end or square end they have some to use the mismatched ends to fit what ever you have. I found them to be helpful if problems arise.After 90 plus years of use almost any combination can occur.

[shew01]

I love the subject line of this thread. [emoji106]


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[mainey68]

Yes me too,you’d definitely want to help seeing that.