Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Today I disconnected the speedo cable from the speedometer.
I am assuming there should be a square tip on the cable that inserts within the back of the speedo.
Apparently, my speedometer seized and the cable tip has twisted off.
When removing the speedometer, does it have to come out from the back of the dash?

This doesn't look like it will be easy for a chubby owner.
Thankfully,
Al

It's been some years since I removed a speedo from a 48-50 but yes, you can remove it from the back though it's not what I'd call a pleasant job (what underdash job is?). As I recall there are several rather obvious retaining screws and of course you'll have to remove the light bulb and socket and if you have a trip odometer you'll have to deal with how that's attached to the base of the dash.

I'll bet someone here has done this alot more recently than me and can give you better info.

How do you remove the instrument pod on a 48-50 ? Looks like just two retaining nuts at the inside bottom - and then the assembly will come out ? Right ? Thanks

To remove the speedometer from the back you can follow O_D's directions. There are three screws to remove and I've added a photo of the speedometer in its case to show the location of the three screw hole tabs in relation to the case. Don't forget to disconnect the battery before you start waving a screwdriver around back there. It's awkward as heck, but I found using a mirror on a stick and a long thin screwdriver worked for me. If you can find a mechanically adept skinny teenager with small hands... so much the better.

Attach file:

---

  (33.58 KB)

Having this photo, showing the screw locations is really helpful. Especially, due to the confined area.
Thanks so much JD!
Al

when you put it back in-go to the tool store first and buy a screw holder and relax as it will take some time. dell

Took out the speedometer today... Still waiting for the penetrating oil to do its job so I can get the odometer cable out.
Is there a way to lubricate the speedometer, or would I be better taking it to a speedo shop?
I tend to believe the cable snapped off at the speedometer, due to the speedometer seizing...
Thanks so much for the info guys!

Just my personal view of not wanting to incur the chance of doing unpleasant jobs a second time and removing that speedo falls into that category for me, I'd just send it to a good speedo/instrument shop like Wolf (and there are other good ones) and have it serviced and be done with it.

While you're signed on, your last post was posted in triplicate, just to keep things neat don't forget to go back and delete the extras.

The part (gear) in the transmission, attached photo, (Male end goes into female speedometer cable) seems to be retained with a spring of sort. I have no intention to remove it if not necessary... Just want to make sure the connection is right when placing the new cable back.
Also, what is the (what seems like an) electric motor attached to the manual transmission?
Thanks again for the help fellas.

Attach file:

---

  (79.12 KB)


  (46.35 KB)

The electric motor looking device is the solenoid for the overdrive.