Smiths gauges speedometer cable routing.

[red.barchetta]

Hey everyone,

I bought the Smiths gauges with the reverse mechanical speedo and wondering if anyone who has installed one in a MK4 has any insights on how/where they routed the cable and reverser? S/C layout and I do have the Center dash support to maybe run cable down through top of console but I don’t know if that is an option yet as I’m still waiting on my engine/tranny to get here.

I have recently seen a post from Kirkham on social media on a new transmission mounted reverser they designed that will bolt onto a TKX but I am curious to how others have done it before I contact Kirkham to order

182427

Thanks!

[Gumball]

I have the Smiths mechanical gauges in my Mk3.1 with the reverser on the rear of the speedo (all components from Nisonger).

I fab'd up my own dash support tubes out of material with a large enough I.D. to allow the speedo end of the cable to pass through. The reverser mechanism lines up perfectly with the tube and the cable goes from the side of the T5Z transmission, up the tube, and then screws to the speedo reverser. I have a full-width dash support pane underneath, so I left a large rectangular opening in it (with some edging to avoid slicing my hands) which gives access to the connection point on the back of the speedo in case I ever have to remove the dash.

[mburger]

I have the Smiths mechanical gauges in my Mk3.1 with the reverser on the rear of the speedo (all components from Nisonger).

I fab'd up my own dash support tubes out of material with a large enough I.D. to allow the speedo end of the cable to pass through. The reverser mechanism lines up perfectly with the tube and the cable goes from the side of the T5Z transmission, up the tube, and then screws to the speedo reverser. I have a full-width dash support pane underneath, so I left a large rectangular opening in it (with some edging to avoid slicing my hands) which gives access to the connection point on the back of the speedo in case I ever have to remove the dash.

Chris, I absolutely love your car and especially your dash with the Smith gauges. I have the Speedhut GPS setup like many but call it personal preference, only Smith gauges belong in the dash. The Speedhut gauges just don’t look right to me.
One day I’d like to change them out for Smiths from Nisonger.
Question, do you have your oil line coming in to the back of the pressure gauge? That seems to be a big source of concern for some. I ran mechanical gauges in my’71 Camaro another lifetime ago with no issues.

Edit: red.barchetta, as a huge RUSH fan, I love your name and avatar. :cool:

[red.barchetta]

I will have to give this method a try. I bought the FFR center dash support and might have to cut it apart and re-weld so the support rods rest on the tunnel and not on the 3/4 tube to allow the cable to pass through.

Thanks for the insight!

[Gumball]

Here are a few pics of how I did the tubes. Mine are just some thinwall chrome moly tubing that I notched at the top for a "C" clip that keeps them from falling down into the tunnel. I put some edge protection on the holes in the transmission tunnel top and the under-dash panel just to ensure that the fit is tight and that there are no rattles.

[mburger]

Chris, thank you for the PM. Very helpful!

[red.barchetta]

I also loved the dash layout of Gumball's car and used it to lay my own out.

Smiths also offers electronic gauges with no need for the oil line or temp probe line. All simple wires with sensors... After seeing the Speedhut vs Smith gauges there was only one option....


Obviously a huge RUSH fan here as well. The song was definitely a huge inspiration to buying my kit..... that and Neil Peart had a real 289 cobra as well....

[red.barchetta]

I actually much prefer how you have these mounted vs the FFR mount. Thank you greatly for this. I now have a full weekend.