Classic/Antique Car Repair/56 ford speedometer

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Expert: - 9/25/2010


Question
I rebuilt the fordomatic in my 56 victoria and had the speedometer rebuilt because it was siezed. I bought a new speedo cable and 19 tooth gear.When I hooked it all up and went for a test drive the speedometer needle would not move from zero and the odometer was running in reverse. I reached under the dash and unscrewed the cable from the back of the speedo and observed that the inner cable was indeed turning as I drove. It was turning counterclockwise as I drove forward. Help.

Answer
I can't help you.  I bet your new speedo is put together wrong.  I don't see how the trans can cause the cable to turn in the wrong direction.  Unless-----there is a way you can install the speeod gear output backwards.  That would reverse the rotation.  I don't know how it mounts to the trans, but check to see if it can go on two ways.  I know Model A's.  Sorry I can't help you.
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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