What's up with speedo cables?

[bnam]

I ordered some parts today from WW and KGPR. The KGPR order included a speedo cable for my 65 KG. When I called them I was told that those speedometer cables (perhaps for my MY) are no longer avail with KGPR and haven't been for a while. So, had to take it off the order. I have to say that I'm surprised that something as basic and essential as a speedo cable (or an alternative) is not available at a place that specializes in KG parts.

Next I called WW. Took a chance and asked about the Ghia cable. His first response (I didn't catch his name) was to ask KGPR. When I told him about my call there, he said "I'm sure we can find something for you" -- then looked up the length of the cable in the Ghia parts book (roughly 46") and found a close match from a RHD beetle (47"). That was great service!!

Byas
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1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[sactojesse]

The speedometer cables for ghias are shared with beetles, as evidenced by their beetle part number prefix, 111. They aren't ghia specific.
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1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible

[bnam]

141-957-801C -- thru '66. Then a 111 part 67-72 and then again a 141 part from then on.
_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[sactojesse]

[HerbieDave]

The problem is whoever is currently making them is not making the ends that go into the speedometer correct. It's a little big. It may fit in 1/2 way if you force it in, but you'll never get it back out!

The only difference between the earlier speedo cable and the 72-74 cable is that up to 71 ghias the cable has a screw on connector to the back of the speedo, the 72-74 ghia's have a twist on connector.

[bellhp]

Good to know , I'm assuming the connector on the 72-74 was plastic ? I thought it strange that my car (74) was missing the connector ...I couldn't figure out how it would have come off. But today I noticed that KGPR sells just the spring and connector so I bought one ... even though it was 25 bucks ( twice the cost of a cable from some other sellers) . If quality is off on replacement cables maybe that was the right call.

[HerbieDave]

You can "try" to file down the part that goes into the gauge, but it is a pain since it's basically in a cup.