Shout out for a job well done

[Donald O.]

Background:
After dealing with a bouncy speedometer needle since 1985 in my 67 vert, this past winter I broke down and sent the tachometer and speedometer to our own Joe Ray (1011) for a restoration, repair, calibration. The work on both was completed in a very timely fashion and returned to me for re-installation. He recommended very strongly and correctly to also replace the speedometer cable, I had replaced the tachometer cable just a year earlier. So I went ahead and ordered a new cable in the spring after spending most of the winter puppy sitting my USAF daughter's Belgian Malinois. When I received the new cable from a big vendor of high repute, I was unable to see the transmission end of the cable and I couldn't even pull it out with needle nose pliers. So I called the vendor, at first they denied the problem because they sell alot of them without complaints. Two hours later they called back and said that half their stock exhibited the same problem and was sending another and I could keep[ the defective. When this second unit arrived I put it in without thinking. a quick test drive in the driveway revealed that the speedometer was not working. So out with this new correct length unit and re-installed my original cable assembly. So all summer I drove it with my original cable but the speedometer needle bounced, usually up 5mph and down 5mph from the desired true value and since the tach readings were true I relied on that for a speedo. It just burned me about the bouncing needle. I reached out to Joe and he still recommended that I get a new cable and would redo the speedo if the new cable allowed the needle to bounce.

The only problem with the new cables that the vendors sell is that they are made in china using inferior materials and construction.

The solution:
I located a company that makes new cables to factory specs using only the highest quality materials and construction techiques. While the price was higher than the chinese crap the vendors sell, the quality more than offsets. It was ordered on a Friday, shipped on the following Monday and received on Wednesday and installed on Thursday and test drove today. The needle was was smooth and steady and the displayed speed is accurate.

So, a big shout out of thanks to Joe Ray (1011) for his work on calibrations/repairs/restoration of both the speedometer and tachometer

and a second huge shout out of thanks for the speedometer cable assembly to:
John Rullo
Deluxe Speedometer Service
2330 S. Kalamath St. Unit A
Denver, CO 80223
303-629-6958 or 888-907-6505

https://www.deluxespeedometer.com

So Thanks again gentlemen, your work was superb!
Don

[Mike M.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

was the inner cable from john rule constructed with a plastic end on one of its ends? or were both ends pressed into a square in cross-section? thanks, mike

[Donald O.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

was the inner cable from john rule constructed with a plastic end on one of its ends? or were both ends pressed into a square in cross-section? thanks, mike

No plastic end, pressed square ends, same as my original.

[Mike M.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

great. thanks for the info. I abhor plastic ends, which were supplied by AC for replacement inner cables. as I recall, one would cut the cable to desired length(with whizzer wheel), then insert plastic end piece, then expose to your handy zippo lighter. sucked. mike

[Donald O.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

This speedo is now as smooth and accurate as it was when the car left the St Louis plant.
Only took me 34 years and 3 months to get it right.

[Donald O.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

This speedo is now as smooth and accurate as it was when the car left the St Louis plant.
Only took me 34 years and 3 months to get it right.

All thanks to Joe Ray and John Rullo

[Gary B.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

John,

Did John Rullo re-use your original outer speedo cable housing? I assume some cosmetic or configuration aspects of the original outer housing are different from modern replacements.

What's the ballpark cost to have the cable work done by them?

Gary

[Donald O.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

The new cable is completely new, none of my original cable was reused nor was ur sent to John at Deluxe Speedometers.
Yes, there are some minor cosmetic differences but both ends are hidden ant the original casing was also worn and no longer serviceable.
the price with shipping and insurance was about $65 US

[Paul K.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

I had the same bouncy speedometer, I purchased a new from
John Rullo
Deluxe Speedometer Service
2330 S. Kalamath St. Unit A
Denver, CO 80223
303-629-6958 or 888-907-6505
www.deluxespeedometer.com

no more bouncy or fluttering speedometer

Paul Klemetson

[Raymond R.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

How hard is it to replace the speedometer cable in a 1963 coupe? Do I have to pull the cluster to do it?

[Harry S.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

How hard is it to replace the speedometer cable in a 1963 coupe? Do I have to pull the cluster to do it?

You should be able to remove and replace the cable without removing the cluster. I've done it on my 63 coupe. If the cable is torqued to the Nth degree on the back of the speedometer and you can't get a tool in there, you will probably have to slide the cluster out.

[Frank D.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

Harry has it right, you can drop the steering column slightly, work the cluster forward on some 1/4x20 all thread rods and get your hands behind the dash (barely!). I've taken the speedo cable loose this way, installed LED bulbs on all the "gray wire" sockets and replaced a fuel gauge in this manner...
.
Not something I would do for fun but its better than a complete cluster pull..

[Raymond R.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

Thanks for the prompt replies. I have the bouncy speedometer needle. I plan to buy the cable from Deluxe Speedometer Service, as recommended in post #1. I am hoping the cable will be the correct length and fit without any modifications.

[Harry S.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

This is what I used with success in the past. Oops, it's sideways.

[Raymond R.]

Re: Shout out for a job well done

Thanks Harry. Appreciate your help and guidance.