1960s Speedometer cable removal from instrument cluster

[chrisbutnut]

What's the best way to remove the wave washer that secures the speedometer cable to the back of the instrument cluster without damaging anything?  Per a previous post, my speedometer stopped working, likely because I used my air compressor to try to blow dust from when the car was sanded prior to painting out of my instrument cluster.  I need to replace the hair spring, or whatever it is that I damaged, and have to remove the instrument cluster to do that. 

Also, the instrument cluster has two small bolts at the bottom that hold it to the metal instrument cluster bezel, which are located at the driver's side bottom left corner, and there's another one just above the climate control module, I believe.  I was not able to access the one at the bottom left corner, so I decided to just remove the entire metal assembly, or at least pull it up a bit for easier access.  It seems to be hanging on something on the driver's side. 

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

If that is a wave spring holding the outer to the housing, I can see in the picture a "hinge" about 3/16" to a 1/4" at the bottom of the picture.

All that is required is to reach up and over the top, and press the wave spring (the bit covered in dust) away from the speedo housing to release its' grip.  Then simply pull the outer off the housing.

Bruce.

[chrisbutnut]

If that is a wave spring holding the outer to the housing, I can see in the picture a "hinge" about 3/16" to a 1/4" at the bottom of the picture.

All that is required is to reach up and over the top, and press the wave spring (the bit covered in dust) away from the speedo housing to release its' grip.  Then simply pull the outer off the housing.

Bruce.

Thanks Bruce.  The service manual says that the wave washer has two raised sections that are 180 degrees away from each other, so opposite sides of the cable enclosure.  Do I use needle nose pliers to push them away from the speedo housing?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

They must have changed the attachment method in 1969 as pictured is the back of a '69 Speedo which is different to yours in the '68.

I haven't removed one for a while, but I can recall using a bent screw driver to press the spring.

Bruce.

[Julien Abrahams]

If I recall correctly, then it should be able to get your hand in there and using your fingers to push the tabs and remove the cable. But the windshield is in the way so you have to twist your arm in quite an awkward angle to get your hand in there.
You can try with pliers, but not sure if there is enough room to wiggle around.