Technical C4 trans in 54 ford

putting a C4 trans in my 54 mainline and would like to keep using the speedometer on the dash. what speed cable am i going to need to use to make this work? is there an adapter?

 

You probably won't find a 'off the shelf' cable for this, but most any speedometer shop can make one up for a reasonable charge.

 

I did this in a 55 had to use the local speedo shop. Long time closed now.

 

how about a cable from a 1964 ford?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/.../1964/ford/fairlane?q=speedometer+cable&pos=0

 

will the 64 ford plug right into the back of the gauge?

 

if it has the standard 5/8" thread. Look at the speedo, does it look like that cable will fit?

(btw looking up cables for 49-54 ford cars, they all seem to have that standard end at the speedometer)

 

IIRC, Ford changed the speedometer nut size in the early '60s which is why you can't find a OEM unit that works.

I did a 351W/FMX swap into a '56 Ford and was unable to find a factory speedo cable with the right ends on it.

 

An easy way to get a cable built is to contact your local Law enforcement agency & ask who does the speedo calibration. The same people will likely make up cables for you.
In Norcal, I used the same shop that does Hiway Partrol work & he made up my cable for my 32. Gear Vendors OD to Autometer Speedo. 50 bucks & a perfect fit.
Jim

 

I used the original one from my 57 into a c-6.

 

they changed in 49, and cables are listed that fit from 49-1960 models.

I'd get under there and look at the speedo and if it measures 5/8" on the threads, buy a cable and see if it fits. you can return it if it doesn't fit, if you don't mess it up.

 

thats the one you posted from oriellys fits most of those years?

 

This is one of our alliance members. I have no experience with them but it looks like a winner to me.


Speedometer and Alternator Service Co.
449 E. Kiowa St.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
(719) 632-3165
[email protected]


Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.

 

Try Texas Industrial Electric. They can make up most any combo. www.TexasIndustrialElectric.com

 

Jimmy2car, do you have a name and location for that shop? The only speedo shop we had in Sonoma County shut their doors a couple of years ago.

 

I have some sort of NOS aftermarket cable adapter intended for that era Ford. I will post a photo of it, but it will be later in the day tomorrow before I can do that. It may, or may not, have any relevance to this matter, so, if you find a source for some thing that works, go for it. In any case, I need to identify the purpose my of part and find a home for it.

Ray

 

The one I linked to goes back to 1957, but keep in mind there are two ends to the cable...the top end has to fit the speedometer, the bottom end has to fit the transmission. They changed the transmission in the later 50s, but the speedo stayed the same.

You have the car, you have the transmission, you can look at what the cable has to connect to, and see if it will fit.

I'm not as familiar with Fords as I am with Chevys...so I don't know for sure that it will fit..but I'm about 90% sure.

 

I have a c4 in my 53, I am using the stock cable. By the way I don't know if anything on the trans has been modified it is a speedway kit

 

A relative has a 53 Merc with a C-4 and we just used a early Mustang cable .It had the 5/8" at speedometer head . Just need the gear match for rear ratio .

 

2 other ways to fix this....1...buy a g.p.s...unit......2 if you have a tack you can mark the speed on it....hight of tire...rear gear ratio....r .p.m....will give you speed at that r.p.m.. i use a dream wheel from mark williams gear co...

 

I use a app on my phone I think it’s called “speedometer” or “waze” gps has a speedo in the lower left corner but it’s a little small for my old eyes.


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Like seekonk is saying. You can get a cable to go between the transmission and speedo but if your tire size, gear ratios don’t match it’s not going to be accurate. Mines not that’s why I use the app.


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Look up Hotrodprimer here, I believe he has a C-4 in his wife's 54 wagon.

 

I used a 65 galaxie cable in my 55 that has a C-4

 

Hotrodprimer has a T-5 in the 54 wagon.

 

I put a C4 in my 51 Ford F1. Purchased a cable from Mid-Fifties Ford. They come in 3 lengths and I purchased the middle length. It will fit the 5/8 inch speedometer head.

http://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID=1320&PN=Speedometer--cable-c4-c6-or-fmx-71




Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.

 

Evintho
Sorry, but the guy I used retired. The place is now a carb shop in Marysville, CA
Jim

 

If your handy with propane torch, just cut the two in half and silver solder to the right length...done this several times....never failed....

 

Go to Pep Boys and ask for an ATP Y-801 it will have the correct ends. Under $20