Correct Speedometer Cable for 1969 with M21

[Dave69x33]

I ran across the discussion below (from June 30, 2007 from CRG Member "bertfam") regarding speedometer cables. Can any give me a good reference where to buy the correct length cable for a 1969 Z with M21?

Does it matter when the car was built during the model year?  Mine was built the first week of May.

Rick's First Gen list "quality reproductions" for $31.99, a 62" cable item no. SC-77, or 71" cable item no. SC-78.

Are they still available from GM?  If so, what is the new part no. x-ref to the old part numbers, called out in the AIM, page 330, Sec A9, M20, M21 & M22, "4-Speed Trans Speedometer Cable Routing".

This section calls out:
P/N-6454863 Speed CBL ASM (lower) L6 & V8 Base Eng, RPO L65 & LF7, Coupe & Convertible.......what was this cable length?
P/N-6477214 Upper Production Cable 12437 (= sport coupe) W/RPO L34, L35, L48, L78 & LM1.......cable length?
P/N-6477216 Upper Production Cable 12467 (= convertible) W/RPO L34, L35, L48, L78 & LM1.......cable length?

Discussion from June 2007:
"The speedometer cable part number would have been P/N 6477132 (or P/N 3878814) for the base 3 speed, and P/N 6454863 (lower) and P/N 6477129 (upper) for the 4 speed. (The Saginaw 4 speed used a 2 piece cable.)"

Thanks!

[JohnZ]

All Muncie 4-speeds (including the Z/28, which they left off the description) used the same "long" one-piece speedo cable; don't know the length.

[jl8dale]

I have found that 62 inches is the correct legnth on the Z/28's that I have restored.

[Dave69x33]

Thanks jl8dale and JohnZ.

I managed to find my original cable along with the GM replacements I purchased, while attempting to find a correct length new cable, during the restoration back in 1995 – 99.  Here is a breakdown:

Original cable: 63-1/2" long.  The speedometer end is color coded red.  See attached pic.

The GM replacements:
P/N-25032865 is 60.98” (1549 MM), color coded blue (see attached pic)
P/N-25032867 is 45.31” (1151 MM), color code? It’s in the car.
P/N-6480241 is 21.88” (556 MM), color code?  It’s in the car.

As I recall, the 61” cable I bought was too short, so I purchased the 21” and 45” cables for 66” overall.  If I can’t find a good GM replacement or NOS, I’ll try to clean up the original and reinstall it.

Any one else out there restoring their SS’s or 69Z’s and has their original cables to measure?  Are they 63-1/2”long?

Has anyone purchased a correct length GM part or correct repro?  If so, where?

Thanks!

[RamAirDave]

Ive seen that the 71" repo cable is listed for 69 w/ manual trans, but most of what Ive read in the last couple of days says the 62" is correct.

What would the longer cable be used for?  I would think that the pass-side speedo muncie cable would be the longest one used, moreso than a driver-side speedo/near-fuse block firewall hole application.  CHQ cables are listed as 62" and 71".  I replaced one recently, and using that logic picked the 71" cable.  Seems a little bit long, but not sure if it's 9" too long.  Of course, I needed it "now" and didnt get a chance to measure the original.

Pretty sure I still have the original cable from a M20 Z, so I'll take a measurement of it.

[RamAirDave]

Checked an original today, ~62"

[68Zproject]

I hate to ressurect this thread, but is there a difference between 68 and 69 speedo cables as far as the ends go?  I asked the length question years ago about my 68Z and was told 61", but I can't find a"68" cable listed in that length.  The "69" one shows a 62" which would do, but I'm trying to get an accurate repro so I don't have to buy any more cables when I find out what I have is wrong again.  (Bought the two piece one years ago).

[acelr8]

Yes the end on the speedometer is different.67-68 screws on. The 69 pushes on and held with a clip.Jeff

[68Zproject]

Thanks