[WakBordr7387]

Im looking to buy some after market gauges, Im just wondering how you are supposed to calibrate the speedometer. Does it come with its own cable and gears to go in the transmission or what?
Thanks


Brad

[astroracer]

The cable hook-up should be standard for your application and will use the stock cable.
Calibration is entirely dependant on the speedo gears in the tranny and, if the gears don't match your rear end gear or tire size, you will have to correct them to have the speedo read correctly.

[Deuce]

Well it really depends on the vehicle you are working on.....

On most pre 90 models, you have a cable driven speedometer. With these, you just put the correct driver/driven gears in it and the speedometer is correct.

Here is a chart to assist you......

http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/speedo_gears.htm

On later models that came with a electric speedometer.........it is a WHOLE another ballgame...

I use the old cable driven ones in my projects......



Stewart Warner..............has been around since before I was a kid....

[WakBordr7387]

So from my understanding, the aftermarket speedometer will use the stock cable and I will just have to switch out the gear in the end of it.
This is going on a 86 chevy c10 truck with a th350 if you were wondering.
Thanks guys


Brad

[Deuce]

.



If the speedometer is correct now in your truck..........the aftermarket one will be also.

You may have to change speedometer cables..........to get one that will hook up to a aftermarket speedometer head.




The later model GM vehicles I have experience with use a clip type attachment .........not the screw on type like shown above. Most aftermarket cable driven speedometers use the screw on type.

.

[WakBordr7387]

Thanks Duece, Thats exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate it.


Brad

[farna]

Why not save yourself a lot of trouble and get an electronic speedo? These use a pickup that screws onto the trans where the cable went. Just run a wire from there to the speedo. There is a switch on the back or front of the speedo (depends on which make you buy) to calibrate it no matter what gear is in the trans or size tires you have. Most require you to push a button, drive a measured mile, then push the button again to set it. After that it works right, and if you change tire size you can recalibrate. Can't get any easier than that! You can get digital or traditional dial type. The electronic speedo adds about $75 to the price of gauges (when you add the cost of the pickup), but it's much easier to deal with. If I change all mine that's what I'm going to use.

[WakBordr7387]

Thanks farna, Ive been looking at the digital ones too. I posted the original question just trying to find out how the mechanical ones worked. I still haven't decided which type Im gonna go with, it was just some ideas Im playing with.


Brad

[Nightfire]

Go digital, it'll match your eurolights and I rated this thread a 1 just because I can
Ok, but seriously, to give your truck a muslce machine look go for AutoMeter gauges with white face.




Mike

[WakBordr7387]

That was so funny mike, I forgot to laugh!
I don't know if Ill go with autometer or not yet, I probably will unless I find a good deal. And I was planning on the White faces, I think they look better anyways.
And I told you I was planning on shaving the tailights and put some in my roll pan


Brad