Topic: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Although I replaced my lower speedometer cable (I have cruise control, so there are upper and lower cables) last month, the speedometer was still bouncing, so I figured I should lube the upper cable.
I had purchased an upper cable, incase it needed to be replaced, but it is too long.
So I started by removing the cover below the steering column.
Four screws plus the screw that holds the headlight manual valve to the cover.
Next I removed the vent ductwork.
No screws. It just pulls out.
Now would have been a good time to remove the driver seat, but I decided I could crawl under the dash and see what was needed. That was probably a bad decision, but I crawled under and took a peek anyway.
You should see where the cable plugs into the back of the speedometer. You should also see a small metal spring clip.
All you need to do is depress the clip and pull the cable straight back. Sounds simple, but the cable is stiff, the space is cramped and your hands are too big.
I finally got it by pulling on the cable.
I think it might have been easier if I had removed the other end of the cable first.
Again, tight quarters to get at the connector. I had to use channel locks to get it loose, then reach my hand down in there to remove it.
Again, a stiff cable makes it difficult to get it out.
When I removed the inner cable from the end under the dash, I could see that it was in good shape, just needed some lube. I used white grease, sparingly on the cable and then slid it back into the cable jacket.
I slipped the end under the dash back onto the speedometer and then connected the other end back to the cruise control transducer.
It now runs smooth as glass. I put the duct back in place and put the cover back on.
2-3 hours, scrapped knuckles, sore back and we are done.
It might have been easier if I dropped the steering column, but I don't know.
I think next time I will take the seat out.
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That's great Dave, and since you're the leader of our pack, we can be sure we will not be speeding 
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Thanks for posting that Dave. My speedo bounces too and Ive lubed the upper end at the transducer but not the speedo end. At least now I know what Im looking at when... and if I can wiggle under the dash. I think I may remove the seat to begin with.
After seeing this one,I think the best idea is,when in doubt,yank the seat out 
,I've been gonna change all the bulbs in the dash and cluster and everywhere else,I bought one of those complete bulb kits back in midsummer,and still ai'nt got around to doin it 
.The first thing I'm gonna do is pull the seat and drop the steering wheel
,I've been gonna change all the bulbs in the dash and cluster and everywhere else,I bought one of those complete bulb kits back in midsummer,and still ai'nt got around to doin it .The first thing I'm gonna do is pull the seat and drop the steering wheelC3VR Lifetime Member #93
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
NICE photo werk there, Dave!! 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Nice work Dave! Let me guess you were a little sore in a few places the next day huh?
So far I haven't had that problem but I will be looking into why my tach doesn't work in the future. My guess is it is the printboard.
That will be a good time for the seat removal and the chiropractic act of lubing the speedo cable.
Thanks for the pics and words of advice. I am sure they will come in handy. Who knows maybe even reduce my use of the French language during the entire process.... naw.... probally not.... Thanks!
So far I haven't had that problem but I will be looking into why my tach doesn't work in the future. My guess is it is the printboard.
That will be a good time for the seat removal and the chiropractic act of lubing the speedo cable.
Thanks for the pics and words of advice. I am sure they will come in handy. Who knows maybe even reduce my use of the French language during the entire process.... naw.... probally not.... Thanks!
[QUOTE=KDADDY79]DWRIGHT,
Thanks for posting those pictures.
It sounds like you are getting a lot of work done on your Vette.
P.S. How'd it go with the exhaust install?
[/QUOTE]
Put the exhaust in last weekend.
Other than laying on my back on the creeper and kissing the gunk on the underside of the car, and wrestling the pipes into place, it was a piece of cake. They look great and sound great too.
Can't wait to get her out on the road.
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Gold MemberThanks for the info Dave. I have been wanting to grease my cable, makes lots of annoying squeaking when I'm driving. I have a 72, don't know if it will be similar to greasing the cable in your car, but I'm giving it a try tomorrow afternoon, but before Dallas beats the Giants.
alex
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You'll have the same fun doing the '72 as Dave did on his '82...can you say "Advil"? 
There are some minor differences in the trim that has to come off, but Dave's procedure is good for all of the Shark cars.
There are some minor differences in the trim that has to come off, but Dave's procedure is good for all of the Shark cars.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Interior
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