Hi

In my 1955 Caddy, the speedometer cable is making some noise, and I want to replace it with a new cable.
Disconnecting it from the transmission seems rather easy.
But how do I get to the back of the instrument cluster to replace (disconnect/connect) the cable?
What is the easiest way of replacing it?
Do I have to take out the hole instrument cluster, or can I get to it, by removing the dash board (upper instrument panel)?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Per Kanne
Denmark

 

Did you ever resolve this? I'll throw some ideas your way if not.

 

Hi again.

No - problem is not solved yet.
All help is appreciated.

 

My first car was a '55. I learned a lot on that old beast!
It's been 30+ years since I worked on one, so forgive me if something doesn't make sense...
Here's how I revived cables on a few cars:
Take pics and pay attention to the routing of the cable-see if there are any bad/tight bends, kinks, or if it has laid against the manifold/exhaust and gotten damaged. Take the connection off of the transmission and gently bring the cable up and into the engine bay-you should be able to get it into almost a straight line with it's entrance into the firewall. Using good pliers or locking Vise Grips, grab the inner actual cable (usually square) from inside the outer sheath and using a twisting motion gently try to see if the inner cable will pull out. If so, bring it out onto a clean sanitary towel or cardboard or newspaper, not dragging it through oil grease mud, etc. Pick up some graphite powder - I guess you should get that before you start in - good for keys, lock cylinders,... - I got my last one at O'Reillys -
Using a lint free cloth or nice blue shop towel, pour some onto that and then work the inner cable through the powder back and forth all along it's length. I've saved a few cables with this method.
Now, there is a chance the inner cable won't pull out with a good amount of coaxing; either its got a bad internal rust spot, or there's a 'keeper' on the speedometer end of the cable. In that worst case scenario, you are going to have to take it off. I have had better luck going up under the dash, and yes, maybe moving things out of the way as you progress.
You may also have a bad toothed gear which the cable hooks to on the side of the tranny. As I recall, there's one screw holding that gizmo on, and a plastic 6, 7, or 8 tooth gear will be accessible. These were pretty universal at the time, just get a replacement with the same number of teeth.
You may also have a bad (binding/tight) speedometer assembly. Junk yard time. Keep the old one if you ever want to prove the actual miles, and do***ent how many are on the 'new' one.
Hope I've cast some light on this problem. Good luck with your restoration!