That's exactly what I will do, David.
Quote:
Pat, I totally get that; sorry, not trying to 'mix it up' here, just thought if you are a Packard man and own a speedometer shop, there probably couldn't be a better option than to try and get you to look at it. I will however, 'get it off here' and send you a PM. Thanks man. Chris

It's unreal how a couple of non-interfacing personalities can change the course of history, isn't it?!?!? Chris

Cartrich - it's not QUITE that simple... the 4 nuts that hold the speedometer in place are also shared by the R&L sides of the temp/oil gauge and the ammeter/gas gauge, so there is a bit of fiddling to get it all out and apart. And obviously the cable connection and the high beam/back light need to be disconnected. Pat is talking about splitting the glass out of the unit after it is removed to get at the guts. I'm going to remove mine tomorrow and I'll try and get some pics that might be of some help to you... Chris.

Pat, if I take mine out, can I send it to your speedometer shop for refurbishing?? If just general lube and service (obviously parts would be extra) what ballpark would I be in?
Chris.

Thanks Pat, that is really helpful. I AM going to take mine out as it is making noise and the needle is doing some bouncing around. After a while on the road, it seems to settle down but I fear there may be resistance in the gears and mechanism that, if they were to bind up, would probably snap the cable, and then I'd have NO speedometer and a much bigger bill. Thanks for the pics; once I get mine out, I may take some of mine and ask you a couple more questions... Chris.

39sixsedanman, I just noticed your signature note re speedometer shop owner, so I would defer to your advice as gospel. Can I ask you for some more detail on lubricating the speedometer head? Is it reasonable/feasible to do this with the unit in place, or does it have to be removed?? I was thinking of removing the coupling nut from the back of the speedometer and spraying some light, white grease into the hole. Right idea, or is that a 'carnival fix' approach?? It's just that taking the whole unit out, is a pretty major job. Thanks for your expert advice. Chris

Dave, this started out with an inquiry involving a '37 junior car and I responded thinking my '39 junior car would be the same or very similar. I'm presuming replacement cables are unavailable?? P.S. Not trying to argue with anybody here, but I still like dry graphite for a lubricating agent. To my recollection, new assemblies (inner and outer casings) are not 'wet' out of the box and grease will eventually accumulate contaminants. Thin oil on the speedo head sure sounds like a good idea though. Chris.

Thanks for the input Dave; I guess 'wet' lubricant IS okay. What is 'the bushing? and which end would one undo to remove the inner cable? Chris

That's interesting John - how visible is the hole?? Does one need to have the speedometer out to see it? It's difficult to see 'up there' under the dash, never mind 'get' up there to deliver some lubricant. Re the noise itself, I had it explained to me (for generic speedometers, anyway) that the cable is spiral-wound spring steel and with age, little 'hairs' of the spring steel start to 'unwind' and they catch on the inside of the speedo cable, causing the needle to bounce and fluctuate as well as make noise. Again, only going on past advice, I'm told that wet lubricant is not advisable as it collects dirt over time and can worsen the problem, and that either powdered graphite, or graphite suspended in a solvent that will dry up after the lubricating powder is 'delivered', is the best solution/approach. I'm sure lots of folks who have been here before on this issue, with Packards, will have some input. My car has the same problem and before I started pulling things apart, I was going to post on the problem - Cartrich did it first! Chris.
Edit: Sorry John, I thought you said 'my car'

Good deal Cartrich, I don't think you'll be sorry re the new pedal. Nice looking coupe BTW - nice to see you maintaining the legacy with the car that your Dad started. Chris