Speedo cable length...

[dutch]

   I would like to order a new speedo cable for my '68 Z28 with an M21. Can anyone tell me what length I should be looking for? I'm not crazy about ripping out the old one just to measure it since it appeared always too short and had such a tight bend where it went on to the casing that it finally gave out at that point.
   Does the proper version have a right angle fitting on the tranny end to prevent this or does the proper length of cable just solve this problem? Also are there reasons why (assuming they sell the correct length of one I need) the ones that Ricks or other such places sell would not fit or work properly for me due to different transmissions versions M21/22, Saginaw, or even THM used on Camaros or do they all basically use cables with the same fittings and threads and just varied lengths?
   None of the cables I have seen advertised seem to be usage specific, other than the length so I am assuming the answer to that is no... but any info and help is appreciated - Thanks - Randy

[70L34]

Bumping this back to the top. My 68 Z is missing a speedometer cable so I'd like to know the answer to Randy's question. My car does have the #6476735 right-angle adapter, too, in case that changes things. Thanks, Tony

[acelr8]

69. Never have found found a use for the 73.
Both of you need the same length but different
 Due to years.Jeff

[z28z11]

Here you go, guys. Note part number and length as stated on the package. My Z is a known M-21 - this is my backup cable (ordered when they started going disco -

Regards,
Steve

P.S. In case the picture is indistinct, 56.1", 1425mm, part number 6480250 outer cover and inner cable assm. -

[68camaroz28]

I measured our 68Z cable yesterday (under restoration) and it measured approximately 60 to 61".  Assume it is the original!

[tmodel66]

My original '69 L48 was 61" or 62". I can't remember but it was definitely 60 something.

[rare396bronze]

Just measured my 68 bb cable 4speed original cable 61 inches!

[dutch]

I measured our 68Z cable yesterday (under restoration) and it measured approximately 60 to 61".  Assume it is the original!

Chick - does your cable go directly into the side or does it use one of those 90 degree fittings that I have seen advertised in parts catalogs?
I always figured mine wore out because there was such a sharp bend where it mated up to the trans and a right-angle fitting would have fixed the problem and was missing - or maybe mine was just old and wore out...
Thanks - Randy

[68camaroz28]

I measured our 68Z cable yesterday (under restoration) and it measured approximately 60 to 61".  Assume it is the original!

Chick - does your cable go directly into the side or does it use one of those 90 degree fittings that I have seen advertised in parts catalogs?
I always figured mine wore out because there was such a sharp bend where it mated up to the trans and a right-angle fitting would have fixed the problem and was missing - or maybe mine was just old and wore out...
Thanks - Randy

Randy, ours did not have any 90 degree fitting that I'm aware of and it would seem to be the angle/attachment is not anymore extreme comparing how the cable bends to the speedo. Also note that our cable only had one speedo clip in the tunnel area approx. 2.5" back from the seam where the floor sheetmetal meets the cowl wrap.
By the way, our MO asks how his Canadian brother is doing? Ours is feeling pretty spunky with the rebuild and face lift.

[rare396bronze]

Butch if you are talking about 90 degee adapter it is a gear reduction adapter only used on 4:10 ratio rearends. Look on page 322 off assembly manual bottom cable assemby on page is your's hooks up it adapter is straight in for 3:73 down to 3:07 ratios. Have owned my car for  30 years so now it is original 61 inch cable came with car. Hope this helps.

[68camaroz28]

Butch if you are talking about 90 degee adapter it is a gear reduction adapter only used on 4:10 ratio rearends. Look on page 322 off assembly manual bottom cable assemby on page is your's hooks up it adapter is straight in for 3:73 down to 3:07 ratios. Have owned my car for  30 years so now it is original 61 inch cable came with car. Hope this helps.

Our 68Z M21 with 4.10's did not come with a gear reducer as I believe this was not normal for a 15" tire Camaro but was found on 14" tire cars with a M20 trans if that trans did not have the correct deep gear. Other words some might have it, and some might not depending on which M20 was utilized (8 or 9 tooth gear). Another priocess variation....

[bertfam]

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=945.0

Ed

[dutch]

Thanks for the responses and Tony you, for renewing this thread so it finally got some response - I actually had forgotten all about it after so long!
I hardly ever use the car so obviously the speedo isn't or hasn't been a big issue - but now I know exactly what to hunt for..
Chick - the MO sibling is still on the engine stand but I am thinking maybe of reinstalling it next year because I miss that distinctive sound. It too is all rebuilt and just needs to be dragged out of the house and dropped in - all I need is a good stretch of enthusiasm I guess..
Thanks again to everyone - Randy

[dutch]

Chick - forgot to ask how your awesome restoration is proceeding - got any pictures or updates you are willing to share?

[z28z11]

Evening,

After reviewing the posts, and getting a phone call from my '68 parts expert/Camaro owner/best friend, I think the proper length is likely 61 in. My original cable is still hooked up in the car, or I would have checked the replacement cable against it. Another episode of post-before-you-check-it; please don't hold it against me - just trying to help.

Anyone need a new 56.1 inch new cable assembly ?

Regards,
Steve