TheSamba.com :: View topic - Speedometer Cable

Wed Jun 24, 2015 12:21 pm

Hi guys,

I just noticed that my speedo cable is missing.. it could be mangled in the wire mess I have going on in the front of the bug here... I suppose this would explain why the speedometer wasn't working :shock:

Because we are new to this whole process my main question is where should we order a replacement? Is this something that you need to watch quality or avoid certain places that sell them?

Sorry for the question that probably belongs on the "Dumb Question Hall of Fame" - Just trying to cover the bases and not get some imported junk that won't last!

Wed Jun 24, 2015 12:39 pm

Wolfsburg West sells quality replacement parts
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111957801K

West Coast Metric also has gotten good reviews by other samba members, though I've never bought anything from them.
https://www.westcoastmetric.com/product/111-957-80...m_search=1

I have bought one speedo cable that broke on me within weeks of installing, though I can't remember who I bought it from.
In general, I'd always go as high a quality as you can find. Be careful with companies like JC Whitney or MA Motorworks. They do have some decent parts, but they also sell some really poor quality items as well. It depends on the part you're buying. Definitely ask the peanut gallery here on thesamba if you're unsure about a particular part.

Wed Jun 24, 2015 12:43 pm

julesmast wrote:
Sorry for the question that probably belongs on the "Dumb Question Hall of Fame" - Just trying to cover the bases and not get some imported junk that won't last!

Also, definitely not a dumb question. If you can't find the answer in old threads, don't be afraid to ask. Lots of people on here willing and able to help... or at least offer their opinion.

Wed Jun 24, 2015 1:07 pm

awreed wrote: Wolfsburg West sells quality replacement parts
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111957801K

West Coast Metric also has gotten good reviews by other samba members, though I've never bought anything from them.
https://www.westcoastmetric.com/product/111-957-80...m_search=1

I have bought one speedo cable that broke on me within weeks of installing, though I can't remember who I bought it from.
In general, I'd always go as high a quality as you can find. Be careful with companies like JC Whitney or MA Motorworks. They do have some decent parts, but they also sell some really poor quality items as well. It depends on the part you're buying. Definitely ask the peanut gallery here on thesamba if you're unsure about a particular part.

Thank you for the response I will check them out for the part needed. I was talking to an old timer around here that has been fixing up bugs forever but I don't think the focus is on quality as much.. Anyways, he told me the local O'Reiley parts store carries all the parts needed or can get them but I am not sure if that is the best idea. I will look at Wolfburg, there are some things I have on a wish list there anyways ;)

Wed Jun 24, 2015 1:12 pm

This is an off-topic question - Do you know why the rubber impact strip for the bumpers is so expensive?

I have a lot of rust on my bumpers that I am going to try and restore for now, I can always upgrade those later.. Funny thing is the last owner had black electrical tape on there for the impact strip.. :lol:

Wed Jun 24, 2015 1:29 pm

I bought this replacement speedometer cable from autozone:

http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/speedometer-cab...77676_0_0/

Has served me well for 3 years, no problems at all.

Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:08 pm

julesmast wrote: Funny thing is the last owner had black electrical tape on there for the impact strip.. :lol:
some of them came that way from the factory :lol:

Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:51 pm

julesmast wrote: This is an off-topic question - Do you know why the rubber impact strip for the bumpers is so expensive?

I have a lot of rust on my bumpers that I am going to try and restore for now, I can always upgrade those later.. Funny thing is the last owner had black electrical tape on there for the impact strip.. :lol:

Originally a '68 didn't come with an impact strip on the bumpers, it had black vinyl tape. I'm not sure it was available in '68 but eventually there was an accessory impact strip for 68-73 bumpers produced. Not sure if the later strips [74-79] will fit the earlier bumpers so make sure you ask before purchasing.

-jeffrey

Wed Jun 24, 2015 9:02 pm

jhicken wrote: julesmast wrote: This is an off-topic question - Do you know why the rubber impact strip for the bumpers is so expensive?

I have a lot of rust on my bumpers that I am going to try and restore for now, I can always upgrade those later.. Funny thing is the last owner had black electrical tape on there for the impact strip.. :lol:

Originally a '68 didn't come with an impact strip on the bumpers, it had black vinyl tape. I'm not sure it was available in '68 but eventually there was an accessory impact strip for 68-73 bumpers produced. Not sure if the later strips [74-79] will fit the earlier bumpers so make sure you ask before purchasing.

-jeffrey

Interesting! Well black vinyl would be cheaper :)
I will have to look into this! I assumed it was a makeshift fix and tore the one piece off the rear bumper. I will be more careful with the front one

Wed Jun 24, 2015 9:18 pm

Here is a shot of the '68 Beetle in a dealer brochure. You can see there isn't an impact strip.

You can see other images of '68 dealer literature in theSamba archives. As for the tape, regular electrical tape works just fine.

-jeffrey