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Tach Cable alternatives
Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2020 1:07 pm
by Linda
Looks like the Tech Wiki Parts Interchange mentions the Datsun 510 tach and speedo cables fitting the Roadster:
Cables
ATP Y-885 - Speedometer Cable---I used an aftermarket for my speedometer (66') and it works great. Tach is the same cable, only shorter. Looks like it is for 510-720 truck. (66 for sure)
Anyone use these for the later cars? Not sure if the aluminum crimp at the guage end is a problem for installation.
Thx
Linda
Re: Tach Cable alternates
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 11:48 am
by dynaguy
I believe that Brian at Sin City Datsun has a reasonably priced aftermarket one. Pat
Re: Tach Cable alternates
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 2:54 pm
by MattC
Linda,
I put that cable on my tach the other day ($13). It is very much too long but I was able to make some lazy bends around a few things under the dash to allow it to sit rather nicely. I did need to put the rubber washer from my old cable on the tach side and I put an o-ring (not sure what size) on the tach side as the tach would whine if I seated it fully without any kind of little spacer in there. I also removed and lubed the whole cable before installation. For this price, I can replace this thing over 10 times before eclipsing the cost of a "real" one. I would love to contact the company that makes these to see if they would make a shorter one.
https://www.amazon.com/ATP-Automotive-Y ... B000C8RDA0
Re: Tach Cable alternates
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 4:10 pm
by Linda
Matt,
Pioneer CA3081 at 80†is a speedo cable for the 510, CA 3083 is 70â€.Available at Oreilly, Autozone. Same as the ATP part I think.
You can measure out the length needed, cut, add a ferrule with the leftover screw cap from the tach end that you cut, crimp and voila. Both ends screw in. You have to finish the cable with a file to get it square, or there are repair kits for $5 from Autozone CA4005 with a crimp on tip.
I found a ferrule from Balkamp like this one pictured from Napa #6151822. I should get it tommorrow to see if it works otherwise there are others. Should be OK
C9356928-3793-4B1F-84D9-5DEA7352BE0D.jpeg
Have to work out the washers though I have the Nissan installed inside dizzy but am looking for best one for each cable end. A plastic one perhaps
I tried to install the tach cable I had but the long metal sheath/ferrule made it inflexible, which is why I am doing this. I even dropped the steering wheel.
The new cable is flexible so should be possible to install.
There is probably a correct length tach cable out there, but the threads have to be correct of course.
So that is where it stands
Linda
Re: Tach Cable alternates
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 5:14 pm
by MattC
Dean has the correct cable but at $130 plus shipping, I don’t mind having to bend the cheap one around a little. If you manage to shorten one up, let me know and I’ll give it a shot.

Re: Tach Cable alternates
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 8:20 pm
by zippy67roadster
I have them for $55 shipped. I had these custom made and they are the correct length and fittings.
http://sincitydatsuns.com/store/p190/Da ... Cable.html
Re: Tach Cable alternatives
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 6:51 pm
by Linda
Update.
I cut Pioneer CA 3081 80†cable down to size, kept the tach end screw cap, and added the repair tip from a speedo repair kit, Pioneer CA4005. The dizzy end has the key and screw cap already assembled.
Had to reuse the cable crimp sleeve/ferrule as that replacement part is delayed, otherwise NAPA has the cable ferrule.
Getting the tip correct so that it did not extend too far so that the screw cap would work was trial and error.
I could not get everything installed without dropping the steering wheel, and removing the tach. A major pain. Tach is 2 wing nuts nicely frozen. Partially removing/tilting tach allows a fit and test run before install and replacement of fasteners. The cable routing under the dash is less than ideal.
Available at Autozone, Oreilley, Bumper to Bumper, Ebay. Cost around $20.
Vendor kits if you don’t want the hassle or like OEM.
Linda