Alternative for speedo cable drive ?

[twincamzz]

Finally got the correct cable for the aftermarket speedo on my '61 Panhead, only to find out that the frame has been altered & the opening in the top frame for the cable is now solid. It appears the frame has been altered at some point & then put back to stock rake with steel slug in top tube to join pieces, dammit. No way to get drive cable to speedo as it exists now. Does anyone make a swivel or something for this situation? I've looked but cannot find anything that looks like it will work.

If all else fails I suppose I will have to mount a tach in the speedo location so I will have a rough idea of my speed in 4th gear. 2:1 ratio 2000rpm = 60 mph

[Pzokes]

I wonder if there would be enough room in the original faceplate hole to mount one of those mini cable speedos and a mini electronic tach (like Drag Specialties, and others sell) side by side.  Then there might be enough clearance to bypass the frame with the cable.

[twincamzz]

Smallest tach I can find at this point is 2 1/16", same as the fuel, volt, air temp & oil pressure gauges on a modern dresser. Seems like I seen a mini speedo that same size...now ya got me thinking ! Thanks for the idea !

[ohio-rider]

Would drilling a hole back thru the slug really comprimise the strenght of it that much?

[twincamzz]

Hole needs to be 13/16" at minimum so I would think so. The original hole was reinforced with the factory forging if I am not mistaken, which doesn't appear to be on my frame anymore. All smoothed out as if entire neck had been replaced at one time or another.


However, it wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong. lol.

[vern]

got a pic?

[Speeding Big Twin]

Below is a 1969 H-D steering head for comparison.     Eric

[oldster]

queston? where did you find the cable? part #. thanks

[twincamzz]

I got my cable at J&P Cycles. Part # 730-350. $39.99. Tranny drive &  5/8" - 18 threads at the aftermarket speedometer.