Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 09:33:50 PM

Title: Need a source for a speedo cable retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 09:33:50 PM
OK, I need that snap ring or "Wave Washer" as it is referred to on page 12-51 note 53 in the 1968 Shop Manual. The spring is described on page 12-43 and 12-44 of the 1969 manual. Same cable, slightly different attachment, but a 69-70 might work. The cable itself (w/o cruise but mine has the same end that goes into the instrument cluster) is supposed to be the same from 1959 thru 1986, so a 1969 retaining ring should work.

Why would I need this?

Well, the repair shop, in an inexcusable bit of careless not paying attention got the upper cable (from cruise control thru the firewall to dash) snagged when reinstalling the block and basically yanked the cable off the speedometer head, breaking the "wave washer" in the process. The entire dashboard is apart at present and we're trying to find another snap ring / wave washer.
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo caple retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: chrisntam on December 06, 2017, 10:22:43 PM
They must have yanked the Ess out of that cable to break that washer.

I have a cluster in the garage, I'll have a look at it.  I "think" it is part of the cluster....

Be back in a moment.
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo caple retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on December 06, 2017, 10:25:11 PM
If the one on a 1972 Cadillac is the same, then I can assist if you cannot find one closer.

I would be really checking the speedo itself to ensure that damage hasn't been done to the housing during the destruction.   These things weren't designed to be yanked apart.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo caple retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: chrisntam on December 06, 2017, 10:45:45 PM
here's a pic or two.  Not sure how it comes off....

Any idea Bruce?
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo caple retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 10:46:28 PM
Only half the washer is still there. I thought that one tab had been broken off but it's some sort of split ring design and only half of it is left.

I did find a 1967 dash and it has the ring. Looks like it does not want to come off. I'll bring the cluster to them tomorrow.

We can fit the cable and spin it to ensure the speedo and odo are working. Maybe I should make then spin 20 miles on it, the distance I had to drive to get home and back to them.

On the plus side the engine is running quite smoothly and appears to be much more responsive then before. It really  moves out now.
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo caple retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 10:49:01 PM
Chris, that's the 1969-76 version. Its the same as most bowtie cars and lots of folks have it. It can probably be made to fit the 67-68s but since I have one on this old 67 dash I'll use it.  Doesn't make me any less pia'd off.

If this one breaks, there's always jb weld or super glue.  :P
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo cable retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 10:52:52 PM
Anyone know how to get the transmission shift pointer disconnected. We got the cluster off by carefully sliding it up, but getting it back down will be difficult if that pointer is attached.

The manual says there is an allen screw in a slot.  Real helpful. It also said to remove the radio - NOT NECESSARY!!!
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo cable retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: chrisntam on December 06, 2017, 11:01:41 PM
Study that washer before trying to remove it.  Please don't break it. 

Perhaps remove the broken one first to see how it comes off...
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo cable retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: cadillacmike68 on December 06, 2017, 11:53:34 PM
The broken one came off without too much of a fuss.

it's basically a figure 8 loop bent together that wants to spread outward thus making the effective inside diameter smaller to grip the shaft of the speedo expedition behind the cluster. By squeezing the two halves together the effective opening size should increase enough to get the ring to come off the shaft and then go on to my cluster.
Title: Re: Need a source for a speedo cable retainig ring in dash - 1968 DeVille
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on December 07, 2017, 12:25:31 AM
This is the back of the '71 to '73 Speedo.

To remove it you have to remove the speedo from the plastic housing.

As for the Gear Shift Needle, this is got to by removing the under cover from the dash, and looking up at the steering column.

Bruce. >:D