Speedometer cable question?

[Funcar]

My speedometer was not working. I have pulled the cable out and left the sheath in place. The speedometer end of the cable is rounded. Can I simply buy a new cable and feed it back through the old sheath then reattach?

[DieselSpider]

You usually need to find out why the speedometer end is rounded off. The speedometer may be too hard to turn and locks up when its cold or the sheave may not be plugged all the way into the back of the speedometer. A damaged speedometer cable is many times just a symptom of another problem such as a speedometer in need of service.

[Funcar]

Thanks for your response.

This car had been in storage for almost 30 years. The speedometer didn't work on the first test drive.

First step I took was to remove and inspect at the transmission. End looked ok but didn't turn freely. When I turned the cable the speedometer didn't move. Next step was to remove at speedometer. Cable had a small rounded area and again didn't move freely. Pulled the cable out and it was gummed up. Removed the speedometer and the squared insertion section for the cable looks good. Used the drill (reverse ) and old cable and the speedometer worked as I got it up to 60. Granted I had to insert the cable so it would seat in the speedometer.

I degreased the cable and have been pushing it down the sheath repeating the process so as to clean it out. I guess when I get the new cable I will just lube it and install as is.

Can you tell me if there is some problems I may have missed.

My favorite vendor is back ordered on speedometer cables. My speedometer issue is the last item I need to resolve before I have the mechanicl inspection on my 3 year restoration. I really want to drive my spider before the snow. Does anyone have a speedometer cable for sale?