New Speedometer Cable Repair

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mortier
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New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by mortier » Wed May 06, 2020 8:16 am

My Stewart speedometer "chain" cable was replaced with a steel cable. The speedo end was brazed on, and broke off there. Does anyone know if this end was hollow or had a hole in it for brazing the cable? I had no luck finding new fittings as Langs is out of stock and no other dealers I found sell them. The other end on my setup is attached with a set screw.

Phil
IMG_2516.JPG

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RajoRacer
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by RajoRacer » Wed May 06, 2020 9:14 am

They have a hole for the original chain link to attach - I have some new ones - drop me a note & I'll fix you up. It appears as though someone slotted the original hole to lay the cable into & brazed it together - kind of a funky way to attach ?


Original Smith
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by Original Smith » Wed May 06, 2020 10:34 am

What is wrong with the original chain? I have three T's with them, and never have a problem.


Topic author
mortier
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by mortier » Wed May 06, 2020 10:45 am

I don't know what was wrong with the orignal chain. The new cable was there when I got the car. Perhaps they brazed the cable on a bit crooked and it eventually broke. Langs sold an adapter (photo below), but they no longer have it. That looks better than brazing.

Phil
Speedometer adapter.jpg

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Mark Gregush
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by Mark Gregush » Thu May 07, 2020 2:15 am

I would suggest cutting the tang off, drilling the piece and silver soldering the new cable in. Silver soldering is going to take less heat then brazing with less chance of loss of strength in the cable.
Little known fact, the speedometer cable come in two different twist left and right depending on direction of majority of rotation. What is shown in the first photo looks may not be correct for clockwise as you look at the swivel, the outside wrap would be trying to unwind. If you look at the Lang's sample the rotation goes the other way.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup


Topic author
mortier
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by mortier » Thu May 07, 2020 3:39 pm

I followed Mark's advice and drilled out the fitting and silver-soldered the cable inside. I'm not sure if I got the correct end in there, but it seems to be solid.

Phil
IMG_2521.JPG

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Mark Gregush
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by Mark Gregush » Thu May 07, 2020 7:01 pm

Cool let us know how it works out. I would fill the hole with solder, unless it is now just out of site below the rim.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup


Topic author
mortier
Posts: 92
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:16 pm
First Name: Philip
Last Name: Jamison
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Re: New Speedometer Cable Repair

Post by mortier » Fri May 08, 2020 7:37 am

Mark Gregush wrote:
Thu May 07, 2020 7:01 pm
I would fill the hole with solder, unless it is now just out of site below the rim.
It's full of solder. The black is just some carbon powder around the cable. I pulled on it, and it seems tight. I now must figure how to install the other connector so the length is correct for the cable housing. It uses a set screw.

Phil

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