Author Topic: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet  (Read 10100 times)

Dave69x33

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Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« on: February 10, 2008, 09:11:37 PM »
Has anyone had success installing a new grommet on an exitsing speedometer cable?  It’s a safe assumption that on original cable assemblies, the grommet was installed before the metal end is crimped to the cable!  As you can see, the diameter on crimped end of the cable is nearly three times the size of the hole in the grommet.


70lt1z28

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2008, 01:03:07 AM »
dont know how pliable your grommet is, but believe it or not i was able to get mine on over end of the cable. try a tiny bit of oil and work it a little at a time.  good luck

L78 steve

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2008, 02:13:58 PM »
Make a tapered tube out of aluminum or copper flashing ,wear leather gloves and use Vaseline .Steve.
69 Z/28 Dover White. SOLD
67 SS/RS Mt. Green 1W,2LGSR,3SL,4K,5BY,07C. SOLD
70 Nova L78 Blk. Cherry,Sandalwood,M21,02B

Dave69x33

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2008, 01:42:33 AM »
I thought about using the snout from a funnel covered with Vaseline.  First soften the grommet in hot water, and then try to work the grommet over the snout and onto the cable.  I was wondering if and how others have pulled this stunt off. 

Talk about pushing 5 lbs of "you know what" into a 1 lb bag....!

Thanks.  I'll try this and post the results!

JohnZ

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2008, 03:23:41 PM »
The cable and grommet were received separately. In the plant, we used a cone-shaped metal tool that fit over the end of the ferrule and a Joy soap solution to push the tool (and the ferrule) through the grommet, then removed the tool and installed the cable and grommet in the hole in the firewall. Photo below shows a similar tool made of wood that accomplishes the same thing.  :)
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Dave69x33

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2008, 01:07:54 AM »
Outstanding......JohnZ, your a life saver!

Great tip...thanks.   ;D

Dave69x33

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #6 on: March 27, 2008, 01:44:34 AM »
Based on JohnZ's tip, I had a taper tool made out of Nylon and it work great.  As shown, it fits inside the speedometer end of the cable.  Lithium grease was applied to the tool and over the cable.  I fixtured the cable in my vise and the grommet easily slipped over the cable by hand.  I would recommend that you apply a light film of grease over the length of the cable to help slide the grommet into location.

Push the grommet past the approximate location it will be located once the cable is installed in the car.  After the cable is installed, slide the grommet along the cable and snap into the firewall hole location.  Wipe the cable clean.  It's very simple!

dd442

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #7 on: March 27, 2008, 02:22:07 PM »
Does the grommet go inside or engine side of the firewall
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68Zproject

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #8 on: March 27, 2008, 04:05:20 PM »
Engine side.
68Z28

Mike S

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2016, 07:49:45 PM »
 Just to add to this old thread for the sake of future searches, I bought an installation tool today from L.I. Corvette Supply for $6.50. It screws on to the end of the cable (67/68) for a nice secure fit. Using a 1" deep socket to hold the new grommet under its embedded steel ring, grease up the tool and place in a vice and give a strong and slight twisting push and presto, it's on in seconds with no damage to the rubber.

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored

L78 steve

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2016, 08:18:18 PM »
Which one did you get? There are 2 available.
69 Z/28 Dover White. SOLD
67 SS/RS Mt. Green 1W,2LGSR,3SL,4K,5BY,07C. SOLD
70 Nova L78 Blk. Cherry,Sandalwood,M21,02B

Mike S

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2016, 10:58:27 PM »
Hi Steve,

  It looks like the two are the same. The package I have shows two P/N's of; #55-52/#37-16E

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored

ban617

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #12 on: January 28, 2016, 11:19:39 PM »
Nice tools there

L78 steve

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Re: Need tip: installing speedometer grommet
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2016, 12:17:51 AM »
Hi Steve,

  It looks like the two are the same. The package I have shows two P/N's of; #55-52/#37-16E

Mike

Thanks Mike, That's a must have tool.
69 Z/28 Dover White. SOLD
67 SS/RS Mt. Green 1W,2LGSR,3SL,4K,5BY,07C. SOLD
70 Nova L78 Blk. Cherry,Sandalwood,M21,02B