61 tach cable

[Richard Geiger]

About 22 years ago I had my tach and guages reconditioned.I installed the instrument cluster in mid 1985 and a couple months ago I finally got it running. The tach cable was broken and I just had one made but standing on my head under the dash I can't seem to get the cable to go into the tach. Two questions:1- Am I correct trying to insert the plastic square tip into the tach ? 2-If I have to take the tach out to see if there is something blocking the cable hole(I've got this great fear that when the tach was reconditioned they may have put a cap over the cable hole and in my haste to install it I didn't notice)do I need to disconnect all wires etc. and take the whole speedo cluster out? I tried looking in the hole with mirrors but I can't get enought light in to see anything. I hoped the Corvette design engineers would have provided for tach removal without taking out the whole cluster but looking at the assembly manual makes it look like I'm in for a big job.Thank you for your help.

[John O.]

Re: 61 tach cable

Hi Richard

I have a 62 that I put in a new tach cable and sheathing and it went in with just a little effort.Are you replacing the cable only or the sheathing and cable? It can only go on one way. The ferrell nuts are different sizes.You do not need to remove the tach or cluster.With a light, you should be able to see the back of the tach.You need to carefully get your hand in there and turn the ferrell nut. You might need to pop out some cluster lights to get more room. If you pull the seat out, you'll have easier assessibility to under the dash. It only takes 10 minutes to pull the seat.I have done mine many times.

Good luck...John

[Jim K.]

Re: 61 tach cable

Go to the local auto superstore and get a mirror mounted on a telescoping rod with a swivel head for about $10. That and a flashlite will let you see the back of the tach. Good luck.

[Mike E.]

Re: 61 tach cable

Hopefully you won't have to remove the tach--but if it comes to that, because it is tucked behind the speedo, the only way to remove it is to remove the entire cluster, which is a pain. And removal does imply disconnecting wiring, oil pressure line, speedo cable, etc.