1941 speedo acting crazy

[VooDoo]

My speedo seems to work alright up to about 30mph but then it starts bouncing all over the place once I get it going faster. Sometimes it pegs out. Is it something like the needle needs to be tightened? I which I had that thing going 100 mph but i don't   Thanks

[steve340]

Take your speedometer cable out and lube it. Otherwise you could break off your speedometer needle (like I did).

[Richardonly]

Andy,

Steve pretty much summed it up.  It either needs lube or the inside cable may be frayed, and may need to  be replaced.

Myself, I would start by disconnecting at the uppermost part of the cable, near the speedometer, and shoot, spray or dribble some LIGHT oil down, rather than removing the inner cable itself.

Perhaps others may have other proven ways of lubing the cable or other ideas as to what may be causing this. ( A bad speedometer?)  But I would try the easy way 1st, of course.

Richard

[VooDoo]

Drove it today and sure enough the needle broke. I'll try those messing with the cable. anyone know where to get a new needle?

[Martin Michaels]

Andy they make a fitting that screws on to the speed odometer cable it has a zirk fitting on it when on put your grease gun on give it 4 or 5 pumps then hook back up. The rotating cable will pull the grease down to lube it all. Andy are you sure the needle broke off? Disconect the cable, pull the inner flexible wire out and see if the end broke off if so Nappa auto has a replacement end. The new end goes on the cable it comes with a die you put on the new end give it a solid hit with a hammer it is all set to replace. Marty


Marty

[VooDoo]

It was the actual needle you see that passes over the numbers that broke in half. any source for one of those

[35-709]

Get in touch with ---

Instrument Services, Inc.                                Instrument, clock, gauge restoration
11765 Main Street
Roscoe, IL 61073
800.558.2674
http://clocksandgauges.com/

They did all of the gauges on my '35 Cadillac and are absolutely first rate, they can repair/rebuild your speedo.  As mentioned, be sure to also remove your speedo cable from its housing (pull it out from the speedo connection end), check it for fraying, and if OK lube the entire length by hand with white lube.  I imagine Instrument Services can also supply you with a new cable if needed, if not you can PM me for other sources.