‘66 Barracuda- odometer works, speedometer does not

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nokids

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Hey all! New here and new to A bodies, but not new to later Mopars (mainly Jeeps). Picked up a modified 1966 Barracuda with a swapped in LA 360, A-833 trans, and 8-3/4 rear end (3.91 gearing). Pics attached for viewing / criticism

As the title states though, when I bought it the speedo cable was not hooked up (and now I know why). So I hooked it up to see what I’m dealing with. The odometer functions, albeit clearly not the right tooth speedo gear with how quickly if adds up, but the actual speedometer doesn’t work.

Curious if others have come across this before and know what I’m dealing with here. Is it a new instrument cluster entirely? Or does the gauge come apart and just something in there that I can replace?

Appreciate it and I look forward to contributing (not just taking) in the future!

51DF63C7-C38A-49F9-A09D-61C7531243E8.jpeg
 
Nice Car. Do you know if those rims are small blot pattern? Do you know who made those?
 
If odometer is clocking but not speedometer, then its internally broken. A speedometer rebuild shop can repair it, or see if somebody has a used replacement you can just swap in.
 
moparmat2000 said:
If odometer is clocking but not speedometer, then its internally broken. A speedometer rebuild shop can repair it, or see if somebody has a used replacement you can just swap in.
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Yeah, that’s kind of what I was thinking. Guess no harm in taking it out and seeing if it’s something I can fix myself and if not, swapping in a replacement. Thanks for the reply!
 
I have a 66 Barracuda also.
In the beginning, nothing worked and I had the gauge cluster out at least 6 times already...not a lot of fun, but not as bad as changing a starter.

Does everything else work? Temp gauge runs off the voltage limiter that is, most inconveniently, inside the fuel gauge, You can still get the circuit board...might not be a bad idea to replace that while you're there.

Fear not, you can change the speedo out. I wouldn't try to adjust the mileage though, easy to break those.
Get yourself a LED bulb set while you're in there and change all bulbs.

How's the appearance on yours? I have no chrome left on mine. I picked a complete cluster a year ago and I'm going to use a Melotow ( something like that) "chrome" marking pen. I tried the spray chrome...they should just call it "grey paint" because that's all it is ( even if the spray can cap looks good). I used the Melotow pen on the radio bezel and the only mistake I made, was not really believing that it look good.

I may have a speedo or two in my attic. If you care to PM me, I'll check around tomorrow
 
nokids said:
Yeah, that’s kind of what I was thinking. Guess no harm in taking it out and seeing if it’s something I can fix myself and if not, swapping in a replacement. Thanks for the reply!
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Where in Utah are you?
 
Michael Brisebois said:
I have a 66 Barracuda also.
In the beginning, nothing worked and I had the gauge cluster out at least 6 times already...not a lot of fun, but not as bad as changing a starter.

Does everything else work? Temp gauge runs off the voltage limiter that is, most inconveniently, inside the fuel gauge, You can still get the circuit board...might not be a bad idea to replace that while you're there.

Fear not, you can change the speedo out. I wouldn't try to adjust the mileage though, easy to break those.
Get yourself a LED bulb set while you're in there and change all bulbs.

How's the appearance on yours? I have no chrome left on mine. I picked a complete cluster a year ago and I'm going to use a Melotow ( something like that) "chrome" marking pen. I tried the spray chrome...they should just call it "grey paint" because that's all it is ( even if the spray can cap looks good). I used the Melotow pen on the radio bezel and the only mistake I made, was not really believing that it look good.

I may have a speedo or two in my attic. If you care to PM me, I'll check around tomorrow
Click to expand...

All the other gauges seem to be in working order. I’ll look into some led bulbs though, thanks for the tip.

Somewhat of an update, driving it around this past weekend and the speedometer needle moved all the way to ~130mph, and then slowly came down and now seems to be functioning, albeit reading over what I’m actually driving due to the 3.91 gears. So not quite sure what to make of it now haha.

Chrome is in good shape though

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nokids said:
Cottonwood Heights area. Have a connection to Utah?
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Nice, That’s a beautiful area. I’m from SLC originally. There are quite a few guys from the valley on this forum, hopefully they chime in and you can connect with them.

Jake
 
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