The Ford Barn

Rusty Karz · 12-17-2018, 01:00 PM

I read through the archives enough to believe the reason my speedo doesn't work is due the the shaft in the "turtle" has a round hole at the bottom and my speedometer cable needs a square hole down there. Does this sound right? I have a round speedometer and the cable has square ends. Can I just order another shaft for the turtle and expect it to fit ok? The speedometer checked ok with a drill motor to drive it so it is not binding and the cable is well lubed.

burner31 · 12-17-2018, 01:49 PM

I'm not an expert by any means, but I beleive they used two different types of cables.
Year and model of your car would get you a better answer to your question.

Rusty Karz · 12-17-2018, 01:53 PM

The car was assembled from parts. 1930 motor and chassis and a late 1931 Tudor body.

barnstuf · 12-17-2018, 02:01 PM

The Model A OVAL speedometer 1928-early 30 used a "turtle" as you describe that you have, round cable at "turtle" end. The 1930-31 ROUND speedometer used a cable square at each end. Your description indicates you have the the proper cable for your round speedometer but the wrong "turtle". Perhaps if you bought a cable for the oval speedometer it would work but I have never had the occasion arise to try it, so lets leave that question for someone who has tried it to give us their answer.

4port · 12-17-2018, 05:26 PM

If you remove the gear assembly and look in the shaft hole, it may be a round hole with a slot at the edge. This would be for a keyed speedometer cable. Purchase a square shaft and retainer to replace the keyed one in your drive assembly. The round keyed shaft uses a shorter retainer than the square shaft. I would post a picture but it is too much trouble on this forum.

Rusty Karz · 12-18-2018, 10:06 AM

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Thanks. That is what I was looking for. I will get the order in this morning for a new shaft and retainer.

12-17-2018, 01:00 PM	#1
Rusty Karz Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 53	Speedometer drive question I read through the archives enough to believe the reason my speedo doesn't work is due the the shaft in the "turtle" has a round hole at the bottom and my speedometer cable needs a square hole down there. Does this sound right? I have a round speedometer and the cable has square ends. Can I just order another shaft for the turtle and expect it to fit ok? The speedometer checked ok with a drill motor to drive it so it is not binding and the cable is well lubed.

12-17-2018, 01:49 PM	#2
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Speedometer drive question I'm not an expert by any means, but I beleive they used two different types of cables. Year and model of your car would get you a better answer to your question. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

12-17-2018, 01:53 PM	#3
Rusty Karz Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 53	Re: Speedometer drive question The car was assembled from parts. 1930 motor and chassis and a late 1931 Tudor body.

12-17-2018, 02:01 PM	#4
barnstuf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 2,840	Re: Speedometer drive question The Model A OVAL speedometer 1928-early 30 used a "turtle" as you describe that you have, round cable at "turtle" end. The 1930-31 ROUND speedometer used a cable square at each end. Your description indicates you have the the proper cable for your round speedometer but the wrong "turtle". Perhaps if you bought a cable for the oval speedometer it would work but I have never had the occasion arise to try it, so lets leave that question for someone who has tried it to give us their answer.

12-17-2018, 05:26 PM	#5
4port Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 112	Re: Speedometer drive question If you remove the gear assembly and look in the shaft hole, it may be a round hole with a slot at the edge. This would be for a keyed speedometer cable. Purchase a square shaft and retainer to replace the keyed one in your drive assembly. The round keyed shaft uses a shorter retainer than the square shaft. I would post a picture but it is too much trouble on this forum.

12-18-2018, 10:06 AM	#6
Rusty Karz Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 53	Re: Speedometer drive question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks. That is what I was looking for. I will get the order in this morning for a new shaft and retainer.