Apparently I have been driving my pickup too much -- last month the speedometer locked up and the inner cable (of the speedometer cable) snapped. I haven't torn it apart yet. Does anyone know a good source for parts, or somewhere reputable who does speedometer repairs? Searching through the St. Louis phonebook and google haven't turned up a lot.

 

Tthe problem that you had with your speedo cable is common. Complete new cables are readily available thru any of the major venders like Dennis Carpenter, Sacramento Vintage Ford etc.

 

I even found one hanging on a parts carousal at a chain autoparts store. I didn't list my truck but I matched it to the one I had and it worked. The key to keeping a speedometer working properly is lubrication. Use a powdered graphite, never use oil.

 

If a new cable doesn't do it,try Palo Alto Speedometer in Palo Alto,Ca.They are very pricey,but can do anything and are relied upon for many classic car and motorcycle restorations.However,turn your head,grab your wallet and cough.Steve

 

I like it. It brought a chuckle. I worked in Palo Alto briefly in the 70's and had speedo work done there. They were expensive then!

 

I see you are in St.Louis. You might consider Metro Speedometer,LLC in Independence, MO, a suburb or Kansas City. The owner is Haim Zeevi and he is very knowledgeable on classic (old) speedometers. He repairs, rebuilds, all types of old speedos and makes cables. You might want to call him to see what he can offer you as he does alot of mail-in work. I have found his prices reasonable. His number is 816-478-0116.

 

Thanks for the tips, guys. Now with the weather warming up again, I should be able to get motivated.

 

When I got my 48 f-1

the speedo was locked up and broke cable

for all you with a 48-50 there is a felt pad on the back of the speedo that needs oil

as for the cable I just replaced the core only it was around 10.00 it was universal type that you put on the end, I think it was the "HELP" line of auto parts
hope this Helps Joe

 

There was a place in Dallas that did speedometer work. I called them once about one of my Ford speedometers. Their response was that Ford used to make good speedometers but the new ones (80-90) were junk and would cost more to repair than a new one. So I repaired one myself and found a replacement on ebay for the other.
Maybe the guy you talk too will have a better attitude, especially since you have one of the "good" Ford speedos.