Speedometer Cable Routing Under Dash

[Cav73]

Hopefully this forum is ok to post this question. I just installed a brand new speedo cable from Rick Ehrenberg in my car. It is a 4 speed, converted from automatic. The most direct route from the firewall port to the speedometer takes the cable above the clutch pedal pivot mechanism, right under the clutch pedal return spring. Is this the best route? I am a bit concerned about the pedal mechanism abrading or pinching the cable, but I don't see a good place to run a cable tie to try and pull it above the moving parts. The steering column is currently out of the car; I am not sure if the cable should rest on top of it somehow. Thanks for any opinions on this topic; my manuals don't seem to address how to place the cable.

 

[pschlosser]

The OEM setup is for the speedometer cable to go through the cowl-firewall below and to the left (outer) of the brake master cylinder.

 

[Cav73]

Thank you; I have to jack the car up soon and see if the cable bracket is still there as my restorer replaced the floor pans. It should keep the cable on the outside of the master cylinder as you note. What is the OEM route for the cable inside the car?

 

[pschlosser]

i think you can see it from above... the hood popped and peering in to the engine compartmente.

 

[Cav73]

To clarify, I think I am good to go on the cable's path inside the engine compartment. What I am trying to make sure I have correct is the route the cable takes inside the car, under the dash. Right now I have it up above the clutch pedal pivot mechanism, under the return spring. However, when the clutch pedal comes up, the top of the pedal lever tends to hit the cable. I don't want the clutch pedal level to catch the cable and damage it. I do not see a better place to run the cable though, unless it is just supposed to sit on top of the steering column. With the column out of the car, it is a bit hard to tell. I hope this helps.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I think there is a 3 finger clip it goes into. Keep it up from the clutch.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Nope! Might be a plastic clip. Cuda hunter's pictures.

 

[Cav73]

Thanks guys for the photos! I got up in there this morning and could not find any sort of keeper mounted to that support bracket like you can see in the photos. It could be because this was an automatic car originally, but still automatics need a speedometer. Go figure. I am not sure if my restorer swapped the 4 speed clutch pedal assembly in by itself or of he replaced the entire pedal/dash bracket with the 4 speed car's bracket. I'll give it a more thorough look later and if there isn't a keeper for the cable, I will have to figure something out. At least I know that the position of the cable is basically correct.

Under the car, do you know if the cable needs to go through any support structures before it goes up to the transmission's speedo port? Just askin' before I jack the car up...

Thanks again!

 

[Challenger RTA]

Yes.