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

A while back I replaced the speedometer cable in my 51 Packard 200 Deluxe 3 spd with overdrive. The speedometer still didn't work. I am now replacing the clutch and have the tranny out. There is no drive gear to engage the speedo cable. It looks like there should be a cartridge or something that hooks the cable to the gear on the output shaft. There is nothing to engage the cable end. What am I missing?

When I was looking for the special one that my own 1951 uses I took quite a few photos but oddly I can find only this end view now! But yes, there is a short drive - maybe 2”-2-1/2” with a gear on one end and a short shaft-like projection with the square hole in it on the other.

Incidentally, mine was special only because it’s a commercial model with the 4.7 ratio rear end but yours should be much easier to find. Be sure to check the parts book to be sure to get the proper one for your year and axle ratio. It will probably have a different Stewart-Warner number than my photos shows.

Thanks Don. That looks like what I am missing. The replacement cable that I got from Merritts has a cone on the end with the square drive inside of it. Do I need something to keep the drive pinion from falling into the transmission or will it stay by contact?

I haven’t yet put mine in but as I recall from doing it years ago on other Packards, it just sits in the hole and can’t go beyond but I prefer to attach it to the cable first, then install it as an assembly. Be sure that the cable has been properly lubricated and that the speedometer itself is all free. The speedometer has a little oil hole at the back right above where the cable connects so work some oil down into it.

The photo below shows a 1951 overdrive version but similar on the non-overdrive type.The 1951 that it was going into it barely visible in the background on the lift.

If the speedometer drive gear is like my 53 Ultramatic it just sits in place and does not require anything to keep it from falling in.

Mine is an overdrive as well. I will just attach it to the cable and install. I may put a little grease on the end of the cable/end o the pinion to keep it in place. Where can I get a replacement pinion? I tried Merritts. Doesn't look like they have them. I googled the part# as well as the description and couldn't find anything.

Part of the difficulty in finding one once you have the Packard part number is to be able to translate it to the Stewart-Warner number that's stamped onto it but I do not have the catalog to be able to help. Possibly on my 1951 Henney-Packard blog there might be some information but on my phone now so a bit difficult to look at that and this at the same time! If I can find it, I will update this post.

Update: I was sure that someone had answered with a shot of the Stewart-Warner page but if so, I cannot locate it. In the meantime, I added a link above to one of the places in my blog where it was mentioned but it shows only the same photo that I already posted to you. As the blog is also for a 1951 (albeit a much larger one!) there might be something else useful for you in it.

Good Afternoon...If you have not done so, you might call Max Merritt and talk to them. I have great luck when I call. Much of what they have is not on the web site....317-736-6233...Ernie in Arizona

I guess I presumed he did call. Once again, parts Web sites are rarely maintained with current inventory and likely remain unchanged since first built decades ago.