Topic: 68 4 speed - speedometer cable routing

[DWhitaker]

I too am working on a 68, but it is a 4 spd. car. I have the clamp pictured above with rubber coating on one end and know that it snaps into the crossmember, but I also have a metal clamp that is kinda L shaped that is supposed to screw to the floor or firewall somewhere. Does anyone have a pic of how the cable runs across the firewall to the passenger side and how the clamps are oriented? Also, what is the correct length of a 4 spd. cable? Thanks in advance for any help.

[J_Speegle]

Split the topic (from the 67 6 cylinder one) since details can often get confusing for others that view these threads later

[DWhitaker]

Sorry Jeff, didn't mean to hijack the thread or confuse anyone. I appreciate the help everyone has offered in the past.

[J_Speegle]

No problem - just keeping the house tidy

Since you didn't provide what engine I'm guessing this is a 68 small block with 4 speed.

Unfortunately my April 68 Book does not list it for some reason (must not have been serviced by a replacement part at the time) but it does list a 67 small block with 4 speed as being 79.04" long. Odd that it only shows (for 4 speed) the big block - a longer unit

[TLea]

I have the measurement somewhere, I'll see if I can find it. The 4 spd cable does not attach to the crossmember like 3 spd and auto which travel down the drivers side. The 4 spd cable exits the firewall and is attached to the drivers side rear apron just behind the distribution block with a spring clip (hard to find an original) It then travels along the bottom of the firewall, over the bellhousing and then attached to the passenger side toeboard with a body clip similar to the ones that hold the brake lines in the tunnel but larger. It then goes through the side opening of the crossmember and into the transmission.
Sounds a little like the JFK bullet travel conspiracy 

[DWhitaker]

Thanks Jeff and Tim. I found the clip still attached behind the brake distribution block. Yes, it is a small block car, but I think the problem is the cable is too short. The one I have is only 59-60" long and I think that is the reason it is not mounting correctly. As stated, I have the rubber coated clip that pops in the crossmember, but I guess it is not used. Also have an L shaped clamp that came from NPD. I guess you are saying neither of those are used on a 4 spd. application. Since it runs along the bottom of the firewall, is it attached anywhere along there with one of those flat straps that hang off the factory studs that are along the firewall?  Again, sorry for the mispost on the other topic. I hope I didn't throw anyone off track.

[TLea]

I think the L clip maybe just not bent yet to wrap around cable? Does it have little butterfly spreader in the hole? NOS cable I just measured is 69" +/-

[DWhitaker]

Tim,
  I am helping a friend with this and we started with no clamps. He ordered the clamps that are listed in both Mustangs Unlimited and NPD as being correct for a 67 and 68 4 spd. application. What they sent him is the rubber coated one I am used to seeing that pops in the crossmember and the L shaped one has round holes made to be bolted on rather than the butterfly type you speak of. The butterfly is the type that you stick through the hole and squeeze with pliers to spread on the backside, correct? I think I might have one of those that is used that I can make work.  It also appears that it had an automatic cable on it as it is 10" too short and the gear teeth are cut in the opposite direction and are all mangled. He also has the new correct driven gear for his app and a new black 7 tooth drive gear on the tailshaft in the trans. Thanks again for all your help.