Expert: jack bahm - 1/3/2011

Question
Hi Jack...

I own a 1930 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster and recently before I put her away for the winter, the speedometer stopped working. I'm not familiar with this aspect of the car and wondered if you had any ideas where I should start?  Up until this year it has run flawlessly like the rest of the car. Fuel gauge, ampmeter and dashlight all work like a charm, although the odometer has stopped some time ago.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Answer
You probably have a broken cable that goes from the speedo , down to the rear of the trans.  Don't just replace it.  It will break again.  First, take off the Instrument panel, Unhook the battery first,  then unhook the cable from the speedo, jack up one rear wheel, or both rear wheels, start the car and put it is gear.  See if the inner cable is turning.  If it is, your prob is in the speedo.  If it does not turn, then grab the center speedo drive, this is the part that the cable goes into, and try to turn it.  It may be frozen, a lot are.  This is a very common problem.  It should turn freely with little resistance to turn.  If it does turn OK, then just replace the inner cable and you should be all set.  If not, take the speedo out and you will have to fix it or get it fixed.  This is a big job.  A little wd-40 won't do it.  I have a 13 page document that tells you how to fix it, but it is not easy.
Try all this and get back to me.
Also, get the Les Andrews Model A handbook.  We all have it and use it.  About $35 from MARC or any of the A parts suppliers.  Get the red book, not the others.  Also, find a Model A club and join it.  They will will have all the answers and show you how to have fun with that car.
Good luck.
jack