I am looking to find out why my speedometer is not working. When I got the the car from my uncle he said the gear inside the tranny that attaches to the cable was broken. I have not had a chance to look at it yet. Does that make sense? Is that possible for it to break. If it is broken were can I find a new gear for the tranny. (Yes I know this is a truck site but you guys always have good info to give and the 3-speed tranny used in 57 i believe was used in trucks also. Thanks for any kind of info that you can give me. (Yes I do have a Ford truck to, look at my sign for info on truck and car)
Thanks Michael

 

Michael, if the cable is okay then the speedometer gear is most likely stripped. I'm not sure when Ford went to a nylon gear by 57 or not, but replacements are available. Sacramento Vintage Ford has them and many other vintage auto suppliers. You need to pull your old gear out and count the teeth on it so you will know which gear to replace it with.

 

Mike, before I can tell you what gear you need, I need to know the axle ratio and the size tires the car came with from the factory. And yes, that gear can break, mine is broken also.

 

The Fordomatic in my 55 Fairlane had the gear removed when I got it. I think some mechanic had forgot it on reassembly. Also, is it possible that your cable is the problem? Good Luck, John

 

Most likely the gear is stripped. Very common problem. Pull the gear out anf count the teeth. You should be able to count what's left for teeth. You still may be able to get that gear at your local Ford dealer. They used those gears up into the 90's. Replacements are nylon. They've gotten away from them now, but you should be able to get one. I used to keep an assortment of them at all the dealers I worked at.

Barry

50 F-1