Shorten Speedometer Cable??

[PaulProe]

I am installing a TKO600 into my Hurricane build. The kit uses an Autometer speedometer and reverser drive behind the dash. I picked up a replacement cable from the local parts store however it is about 24" too long. They don't have any shorter ones.

Has anyone ever shortened one of these cables successfully? Are there things in their design and use that I should be aware of? Can I undo one of the crimped ends, cut the cable and recrimp? Can the drive cable be successfully squared off again? Tips on how to do these operations?

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks

Paul

[Rick Parker]

Look in local yellow pages for shop that does speedometer repair work. They will have the cable ends, necessary tools to reattach the ends and the mandrels to square the inner cable. Not a big job but old school technology. Many of the newer care use electronic digital speedometers so this is a dying trade. NAPA sells complete speedo cables of many different lengths too.

[acmjg]

I have successfully shortened my cable. I started by cutting the squared end off to the proper length. I then cleaned the cable end thoroughly with brake cleaner to get all the oils out. Then scuff the last inch of the cable very clean and braze the end of the cable (tin it with the brazing rod & acetylene torches. I then carefully re-squared the end on a bench grinder until the speedo gear fit. As far as the outer casing goes, I cut the jacket just outside the transmission end. Drill the rest of the casing out of the end and JB weld it back onto the casing after it is cut to the proper length.

Anthony

[1Cobrat]

Lokar sells a nice unit that can be custom fit to your particular length. Got mine from Summit for about 60 bucks.