1967 Barracuda speedometer died

[Bobacuda]

The speedometer in the 67 first acted erratic and jumpy. I pulled the drive cable, it was frayed and failing, so I replaced it.

Driving the car about 70 miles of a 75 mile one way journey, the speedometer readings were all over the place - from reading way to slow to pegging out at 120. Then it began making noises like a blender full of gravel. I stopped and disconnected the cable - no more noise.

Finally got to pull the instrument panel (Royal PITA) to get to the speedometer. It is definitely in need of repair or replacement. Another part made of Unobtanium and Bankruptcium.

Contacted a repair site with good reviews on FABO, but he lacked all the parts. He gave me leads a couple of other repair shops.

Photo doesn’t do the failure justice. It’s always something.

 

[4spdragtop]

You can try Mr. Heaterbox, but ive heard some iffy stuff lately, BUT it all got rectified.
Or get a used one and chk it with a drill and cable before installation.
Before reinstalling dash bezel think of anything else to repair. As you know those are a pain to re n re.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Just so you can have some comparison, go pull a cluster out of a 2025 Dodge Hornet. Then get back to us about what a "Royal PITA" it is to pull the cluster out of a 67 Barracuda. Looks like the flywheel has gotten bent somehow. I'd try to straighten it.

 

[CFD244]

IIRC I've got a '67 120mph speedo here somewhere if you can't get yours straightened out. Pm me if you want me to check.

Good luck.

 

[4spdragtop]

Lol, yep we squawk about working on them, but when ya think about it, it doesn't get any easier to work on the newer they get. Buddy just bought a 77 Cougar XR7 and I would NOT wanna peek under that dash...

Just so you can have some comparison, go pull a cluster out of a 2025 Dodge Hornet. Then get back to us about what a "Royal PITA" it is to pull the cluster out of a 67 Barracuda. Looks like the flywheel has gotten bent somehow. I'd try to straighten it.

 

[Bobacuda]

Thanks for input and the offers to check your spare parts. I plan on checking the rebuilders first, since if I acquire a used one, I would be sending it to someone for a “tuneup,” proper cleaning and lube job to avoid doing this again.

When I rebuilt the car, I put no thought into the headlight switch or the speedometer…
Switch failed about 6 months later, speedometer about 1.5 yrs.

If I had to do it again, I would change out the switch and have the speedometer serviced. Live and learn.