49 Ford (Car) Speedo to a Ford C4 tranny.

Anybody have any suggestions on how one might go about this? I'd love to avoid new gauges if it is possible.

 

Screw it on?

If there isn't already an existing cable that will work, a shop can make one with the right ends. But they didn't change much other than some cars have a clip on at the speedo and some (older) screw on on both ends. The one in the car might even work.

If your trans is new enough that it ran an electronic speedometer, that's another story.

 

If your present cable won't work, give United Speedometer a call.

I've had them do a couple for me.

Nice product, good service.

 

If you have the cable from the '49, it should work (trans should have standard hook up). If not, replacement cable with standard ends should work.
Now if you want the speedo to read correctly, that is a whole different thing. You may be able to switch the drive gear for the speedo in the trans. It all depends on the rear axle ratio and tire size and what drive gear you have. There are various sites on the Net to tell you how to figure what gear you need. Or go to a tanny shop.
I used the old cable from my Chevy but never did get the speedo to read right. I know what the speedo says and about what it actually means I am running (and I have a tach).

Good luck. Hotrod37

 

Thanks, guys. Now I know more than I did an hour ago, I'll see if I still have the old cable down there, and if it will reach.

 

I used a speedo cable from a 65 galaxie in my 55 with a C-4.

 

Sacramento vintage ford has speedo cables for C4 type gear and the screw on end for the old style gauges.
I bought one for my F1 truck from them.