Speedo Input ...

[FastCougar]

On the back of the Speedometer/Odometer/Tripometer cluster there is a single threaded post with an input "shaft" that spins the inner gears. My question is what **should** this input shaft look like? I have a spare that I suspect is the original from the car and it appears to be hexagonal in nature and not rectangular as I have seen in other vehicles of the era. I'll have a video up shortly showing it's in working condition, leading me to believe that it must be in the input shaft "adapter" that's not proper. In short, I'm able to spin it by using a jerry-rigged set of toothpicks into the "adapter" area on the input shaft of the speedo.

 

[lloyd]

Last time I looked at an E9 speedometer cable it had a squared terminus. Haven't examined the receiving end for quite some time, but I recall that it has a rounded and wider mouth than the cable. The pictures bear this out. Despite appearances, in my experience, it accepts and is driven by a square shaped cable end.

Adapters obviously exist, but I am unfamiliar with a need for them - unless you are using custom/non-stock setup. http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/speedometer-cable-adapters It is possible that the cable was previously removed, replaced or repaired with a "universal" cable that may have had a crimped terminus or "adapter." If the crimp became detached, some confusion might be understandable. Note non-stock examples below, essentially square - but not completely.

Hth

 

[FastCougar]

Thanks for the reference photos ... it looks like the older black/white photo ... I'll have to borrow some of my kids play-doh and make a mold to be sure