VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1916-1922 - Model 490 SPEEDOMETER CABLE ENDS ON 1920 '490

Could someone please describe or post pictures of the ends of the speedometer cable on a 1920 Chevrolet 490. I have the length thanks to a previous post, but I do not know what the ends look like, nor how they connect to the transmission case and to the speedometer itself. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
- The Ol Coach

I don't know if the 1920 had the same parts as later models. My 1922, with Stewart-Warner speedometer, has a drive chain, not a cable. The chain broke a couple of years ago, as you can see on the picture, at the end at the U-joint.


The flat part of the end, to which the chain is fixed, slides into the tube part when you mount the drive chain assembly to the U-joint.

The chain collapsed because the magneto aggregate axle stuck. I had the speedometer fixed, and a retired fine mechanic made a couple of new links.

Maybe it is easier for you to find new production cables that fits.

I don't know either, but many thanks for the interesting information, Larsson. Hopefully someone else can tell us for sure. Thanks again!
- The Ol Coach

This is from my 1920. Both ends of the cable are the same. The collar has an internal thread and screws onto the speedometer and transmission case. I pulled the cable part out of the case so you can see it, but the ends should be about flush with the case. It had a drive chain also but most of the original links were missing so I attached the ends to a speedometer cable.

Bill ,
Great repair.Thanks for posting the pictures.

Thanks very much, Bill! Any idea where to find them?
- The Ol Coach

The Ol Coach,

You can find original cables from time to time on eBay, but it may take a long time till you find one in your length. Then you can repair/replace the inner chain link with a cable kit. Or you can purchase a reproduction speedometer cable from Lang's Model T parts in your size (if it is even to the nearest foot) or you can buy the ends and make the cable in your exact size. The repo cable comes in brass, but you can paint it black using an etching primer first. The inner cable kit is available separately that you also make. Instructions are included and is fairly simple.
Hope this was of help,
Gary

Great information, Gary! Thanks very much - I'll give it a shot!
- The Ol Coach

I agree with Ol Coach, this is valuable information for many here. Thanks!!