Trimming trans-end of speedo cable?

65ShelbyClone said:
I got a cable fro NPD and installed it, etc, but the core is about 1/2" too long on the trans so I cant get the gear on. Is it alright to just trim it with a Dremel and cut-off wheel? There will still be lots of square area for the gear to engage.
Frankly, I expect parts to fit and work when I pay my hard-earned money for them. You shouldn't have to modify it. What did NPD tell you to do?
 
I didnt talk to them because I really dont have faith in their order takers knowing anything about cars. I may be within driving distance of their Ventura store, but its not exactly cost effective to return it(gas would cost the same as a new cable, I drove there to get it anyway despite the option of free shipping). I dunno, maybe routing it differently would work, but if it doesnt, can I trim it?

EDIT: half the parts I got from NPD are made overseas anyway.
 
You may need to trim equal amounts from both ends in order for this to work. I clearly remember the squared end at the speedometer, if the drive gear end is the same, cutting 1/2" off may leave you with a gear that spins freely on the cable.

Way back when I worked in a parts store we sold speedo cable repair kits. Basically a new core with one formed end and a piece the was to be crimped on the cut end after the correct length was determined. It is just a piece of piano wire, it will cut, a cut-off wheel is a good method, fast and not likely to crush the end.
 
My cable has a brass ring crimped onto the speedometer end. I presume its to keep the cable from slipping out of the speedo if you're messing with it from under the car(I cannot pull the core out of the case from under the car and only get about 1/4" of movement anyway). I think because of this I only need to trim the trans end.