Speedometer stopped working on my 29

[Model A Ron]

I took the speedometer out and it works just fine when I tested it so I put it back in the car. Then I jacked the car up and looked at the cable in the car. It was not turning with the car in gear but when I applied a little pressure and pushed it in it started to turn. I know some have said to add a nail to the transmission gear but I do not understand how this looks or how to do it. Can someone post a photo of the fix with the nail? I am sure it works but I cannot visualize it.

Thanks
Ron

[Model A Ron]

I think my cable is a bit short because when the car is in gear and I have the cable off the speedometer in the car it does not turn. When I apply a bit of pressure the cable begins to turn. What size of nail can I put into the speedometer gear? What is the max length of nail spacer that can be used and still have the cable work on the transmission end.

Thanks
Ron

[1930 coupe]

Originally Posted by Model A Ron

I think my cable is a bit short because when the car is in gear and I have the cable off the speedometer in the car it does not turn. When I apply a bit of pressure the cable begins to turn. What size of nail can I put into the speedometer gear? What is the max length of nail spacer that can be used and still have the cable work on the transmission end.

Thanks
Ron

I am a little confused, where are you applying pressure, the inner cable must stick out from the outer cable like in the picture or the speedometer will not turn. If your inner cable does not stick out on the speedometer end a small piece of nail can be added to the gear end to hold it out. Every car is different so it is trial and error on the length. Might start with about 1/2 inch, do not get it too long or it will bind the cable when you tighten it up.

[1930 coupe]

Do you have the correct cable. The oval speedometer has larger ends on the cable

[nkaminar]

A speedometer shop can make up a longer cable for you. (Do speedometer shops still exist?) Or you could buy one from one of the suppliers.

[Model A Ron]

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Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

I am a little confused, where are you applying pressure, the inner cable must stick out from the outer cable like in the picture or the speedometer will not turn. If your inner cable does not stick out on the speedometer end a small piece of nail can be added to the gear end to hold it out. Every car is different so it is trial and error on the length. Might start with about 1/2 inch, do not get it too long or it will bind the cable when you tighten it up.

I took the cable off the speedometer in the car and when I ran the car in gear the center cable that sticks out about 1/4'' was not turning. I pressed it in with my finger about 1/8'' and it started to spin. The speedometer was also tested when out of the car and it works.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

Do you have the correct cable. The oval speedometer has larger ends on the cable

I have the larger cable in my 29.

[1930 coupe]

Pull the inner cable out and look at it, it should pull out easy from the speedometer end. Sounds like it might be broke. Also take the bottom end off and inspect it, if you still don't see anything wrong take the turtle off and inspect.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

Pull the inner cable out and look at it, it should pull out easy from the speedometer end. Sounds like it might be broke. Also take the bottom end off and inspect it, if you still don't see anything wrong take the turtle off and inspect.

Thanks for the reply and I will take a look at the inner cable. The speedometer was tested off the car and it works but may I ask what is the turtle?

Ron

[Kurt in NJ]

Try auto parts store for universal replacement inner cable ,these you cut to length you want and crimp the end on in a vice, you can make a longer one.

[Model A Ron]

Just pulled the cable and it looks good. I had both ends off and to be honest I do not see how I can put a nail in the speedometer gear.

[Gene F]

My car is March 1928, and I have the big cable.

[Model A Ron]

Can someone share how to put a nail in the speedometer gear? When I pull the lower cable off I cannot fit a small finishing nail into the center of the speedometer gear however because its on it's side I cannot see it as well. Thanks for all your help.

Ron

[1930 coupe]

There are two different gear assemblies or turtles. Yours should have a round hole with a slot, and the bottom end of your cable should have a round end with a tab. Check to see if it will go in the gear assembly properly. The other 30-31 type has a square hole, Make sure you have the correct gear assembly, a 28-29 cable will not go in a 30-31 gear assembly.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

There are two different gear assemblies or turtles. Yours should have a round hole with a slot, and the bottom end of your cable should have a round end with a tab. Check to see if it will go in the gear assembly properly. The other 30-31 type has a square hole, Make sure you have the correct gear assembly, a 28-29 cable will not go in a 30-31 gear assembly.

I have the right gear assembly for a 29 and it was working just fine and then just stopped. The cable is not broken and the speedometer works when tested. I had the rear in the air with the car running and the cable off the speedometer. It was not turning but when i pressed the inner cable in about 1'8'' with my finger it started to spin. people talk about adding a nail to the gear but when I try to place a fine finishing nail in I cannot even feel a hole.

Ron

[1930 coupe]

Remove your inner cable from the outer cable and put the bottom end into the gear, how far will it go in, is the tab broke off, will it go in far enough for the tab to properly enter the slot. We are not sure if you need a nail yet.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

Remove your inner cable from the outer cable and put the bottom end into the gear, how far will it go in, is the tab broke off, will it go in far enough for the tab to properly enter the slot. We are not sure if you need a nail yet.

The end of my cable that goes into the transmission has a metal tab on the side however when I screw it in I do not feel any contact of it going into a shaft. I do have little to no cable above the tab. I will pull it off and try what your saying above. Thanks

Ron

[1930 coupe]

Your inner cable should stick out on the upper end about 1/8 inch, and should go past the bottom of the outer housing about 1 inch.
All reproduction cables are not the same length and some will not work with some outer housings
If your inner cable is too short, the tab could have been barely touching the slot, then the small spot that was touching wore away and it stopped turning

[Model A Ron]

That sounds about right to what I am seeing.

[Model A Ron]

Does my cable look good or bad in the photo? Thanks as I just do not know at this time.

Ron