1956 speedometer problems

Posted by happy On 2012/10/15 9:20:31

I say one again it's time to ask:"ask the man who owns one". Car is a 1956 400 hundred bought as a running car needing brakes - it did. Fixed brakes, floor boards, gas tank, fuel pump/carb etc, plus new interior. Finally got it out on the road this year to a local car show (display only). First time out speedometer was all over the map. Got it home, pulled cable, cleaned and lubed cable. Second time out acted the same way and the needle broke. Bought a used unit, spun with drill when received, worked okay. Pulled instrument panel, cleaned gauges/glass etc. Installed replacement speedometer, started acting funny. Seems as if the glass face was interfering with the needle. Pulled instrument panel cluster with speedometer installed. If speedometer screws to cluster are snugged up needle sticks, if screws are loosened needle works most of the time but will sometimes stick. I do not want to put it back into the car until I am sure it will work properly. Suggestions would be appreciated.