A little fed up.
Discussion
Fitted my speedometer with new cable fitted and tested it out. Unfortunately it did'nt work so I wondered if I had fitted it wrong way around. Changed over so what was gearbox end was now at the speedo end, but still no go. I removed the cable again to find that the new inner cable had snapped. I can see that it has wound around and snapped indicating it was trying to drive something which is'nt free moving. I know the speedometer is fine and so suspect the gearbox end something amiss? or maybe the bend in cable under the dashboard was to tight, although I have no options on this owing to the petrol tank being located behind dash. Anyone else came across this sort of ailment?
Thanks Nick F, I will contact speedycables on Monday who 'done' my cable, I do not suggest a fault with their work but see what they say. Think I will send it back to them for another new inner and see how things go. It is certainly a tightish bend behind the speedometer, maybe they can suggest a solution.
Thats very thoughtful, thanks eccles. Unfortunately for me they are shut Saturday's so I shall have to pass on your offer. Its a bit strange the bend in the cable behind the speedometer, I have had a look at pictures of other Bayliss Thomas cars and the speedometer looks to be positioned on the dashboard same as mine, and yet it backs onto the petrol tank creating this quite tight loop in the cable. I'm wondering how the cable has survived prior to my ownership, altho I know that it has'nt worked for at least ten years looking at past MOT certificates. Oh well.
perhaps it would be worth investigating the availability of a right anngle adaptor then.
i know you can get them for lotus 7 style kitcars where the speedo cable comes out of the gearbox striaght towards a chassis rail, so perhaps there'll be similar adaptor available for the speedo end.
just editing to add....this is from speedy cables website, so it might be worth giving them a ring.
"(1) Avoid tight bends:
Do not force the cable to bend sharply around the bodywork of the vehicle, but find an "easy path" for it to follow. Sometimes it is necessary to fit an angle drive attachment to one end of the cable to avoid having to bend it too sharply. This is not uncommon where mechanical cables are attached to a gearbox and we can supply you with an angle drive if you need one. It is a cheaper option than having to regularly replace the cable."
i know you can get them for lotus 7 style kitcars where the speedo cable comes out of the gearbox striaght towards a chassis rail, so perhaps there'll be similar adaptor available for the speedo end.
just editing to add....this is from speedy cables website, so it might be worth giving them a ring.
"(1) Avoid tight bends:
Do not force the cable to bend sharply around the bodywork of the vehicle, but find an "easy path" for it to follow. Sometimes it is necessary to fit an angle drive attachment to one end of the cable to avoid having to bend it too sharply. This is not uncommon where mechanical cables are attached to a gearbox and we can supply you with an angle drive if you need one. It is a cheaper option than having to regularly replace the cable."
Edited by eccles on Sunday 4th March 07:57
Aha!! I may have solved my little problem with this blessed speedo. Having got very intimate with B.T. crawling/laying/ and generally prodding and poking I have found a gap between the top of fuel tank and the scuttle bodywork. 
I think now that the cable was not connected when someone from the distant past replaced the bulkhead timber. No provision had been made for the speedo cable to be slotted thru over the tank and onto the speedo itself, I think I can possibly hand drill a hole large enough to do the job. I will ask 'Speedycables' to extend the existing outer cable by 18" to accomadate the extra run required and hopefully, bingo. I shall let you know in a week or two. Meanwhile thank you for all suggestions of help.
I think now that the cable was not connected when someone from the distant past replaced the bulkhead timber. No provision had been made for the speedo cable to be slotted thru over the tank and onto the speedo itself, I think I can possibly hand drill a hole large enough to do the job. I will ask 'Speedycables' to extend the existing outer cable by 18" to accomadate the extra run required and hopefully, bingo. I shall let you know in a week or two. Meanwhile thank you for all suggestions of help.
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