Speedo cable/over drive cable

[Brian]

My cables go thru a hole at about the 10 or 11 oclock position on the bell housing of the floor (slightly above and to right of accelerator pedal).

I note that the hole was cut by hand (not punched), and the metal was bent back (thru the floor) and still seats against the underside of the bell housing. In other words, when it was cut, the metal was left hanging by a chard, and bent back tightly against the underside.

This was done very neatly, but doesn't look original, as I would presume all floor pan holes were punched clear. I recognize that since Overdrive was an option, maybe they added this hole on the assembly line, but I would have thought that the speedo cable would have had a pre punched hole.

Even tho this car ('57, 3spd OD) has had work done over the years, I don't think they would have rerouted the speedo cable.

This has got me curious, and I doubt I'll change it, but I wondered if anyone can comment?

Thanks.

[Brian]

I knew this would stump y'all!

[ 03-06-2003: Message edited by: Brian ]

[nomadbird]

Brian,

Us folks with automatics don't use that hole. As a matter of fact, we don't even have that hole in our floor. It is an impression stamped outline of a hole that could probably be popped out with a ball-peen hammer. This is where the speedo cable goes on manual transmission cars and both the speedo cable and O.D. cable go on Overdrive cars. An incomplete punch-out (like a Florida election ballot) seems like a real possibility. It probably was popped out and became a hole on the assembly line using a Ford Micro-Precision Adjusting Tool.(hammer)

Go to Body Engineering Illustration on page 7-3244 in the Trim & Sealer Manual for more info.

Tom
Tom

[Brian]

I think you nailed it tom. there are some rough "tits" that appear left from the popping of the hole. The piece was bent around so neatly, but it looks like it can be ripped off (as it will just rust behind it).

Thanks again!