Series 2 speedometer angle drive

[Oddbrit]

Does anyone know where a can get a speedometer angle drive for the transmission of my 1963 Super Seven S2 1500? Or even what other cars they were originally used on.

 

Thanks in advance, Jim

[SENC]

The same gearbox was used in the Elans, so check the usual Elan vendors (Bean and RD Enterprises in the US; Kelvedon, Tony Thomson Racing, SJSportscars, Mick Miller in the UK; also, Lotus Classic division bought out Matty).

 

The key is to get the right color gear for your combination of differential gear ratio and gearbox ratios.  I think there is a file in the documents section, but if not I can dig it up in my files.

Edited December 8, 2023 by SENC

[jbcollier]

Bought one from Kelvedon.  They are different from the much more common type used on MGBs, etc.

[Oddbrit]

Thanks to both of you.

[TEM]

These drives are getting harder to find.  When I went looking last year for my Elan, none of the of the regular suppliers (RD, DB, etc.) had any.  They come up on Ebay every now and then but check the part number on the side of the drive, many look the same but have different gear ratios.  Before looking to buy a new one, check to see if you just broke the quill (the short metal shaft between the right angle drive and the transmission).  If that's what broke, you can buy new ones or just use a section of an old speedo drive cable (square end).

[MV8]

http://clarkbrothers.net/right_angle_drive_adapters.html

 

Probably about $200 but whatever ratio, rotation and ford fitment needed. Ford has been very good about keeping the same basic speedo drive system dimensions through the '90s but I don't know about a '62.

[jbcollier]

https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product/speedo-drive-right-angled/

[7Westfield]

I thought all the 90 degree units were 1:1 ratio, with any adjusting done by way of the drive gear, or in the speedo...

 

I assume you have a 1500 Ford, so this is probably it

 

https://www.burtonpower.com/90-degree-speedo-drive-adaptor-gbt9560.html

Edited December 15, 2023 by 7Westfield

[jbcollier]

No, the Burton one is not correct for the Seven application.

[TEM]

Unfortunately, my Elan is put away for the winter so I can't compare right angle drive part numbers.

[joe7]

There 2 different sizes of right angle drives and matched adapters. Simply a large RA and the corresponding large adapter, small RA and corresponding small adapter. So make sure you know what size (s) you have as I didn't when I started on that project!

[Oddbrit]

TEM - you appear to be right the quill (you mentioned) appears to have snapped right where it enters the speedo gear.  Any brilliant ideas of how to get piece out of speedo gear (broke off near flush) and secondly, how to get piece out of angle drive section to replace.

[jbcollier]

Done this a few times.  FIRST, get a piece of square speed cable the right size.  It is a slightly smaller than most speedo cables out there.  It has to slide freely into the tranny's speed gear.  Any binding will leave it in tension and it won't last long.  You have to take the drive apart.  Lightly grind away the peens holding the rear cap on and dig a bit to pry the cap off.  Next drive the old cable out.  Carefully fit the new cable section.  Too tight and it will futz up the new section when you install it.  Too loose, and it will just spin rather than drive the gear.

[Oddbrit]

Thanks, that should work on angle drive end but any ideas of how to get the piece out of the speedo gear end when broke off almost flush?

[jbcollier]

That can be tough as the wire is hardened and drills poorly.  Still, that is where to start. If you can break things up a bit, it will all fall out.  A very small dremel bit would also work.  GO SLOW and replace bits frequently.

[MV8]

Is this in the transmission or the adapter? Strip of .050 sheet metal drilled 1/8 and placed over the stem, then spot weld with a mig welder. 

[Oddbrit]

After reading the advice from all I went back to the problem this afternoon.  I was able to get the quill piece out of the 90 degree drive unit by soaking with penetrating oil, grabbing with vice grips and pulling. (photo1). The shape was not what I expected.  The square part turned to round as it went further into the 90 degree drive.  The second photo shows the gear end which I have not tackled yet.  I'm not as concerned about this end because I'm changing rear end ratios and will need to replace the gear with a different tooth count.   MY QUESTION - Any idea where I might get a quill?

[jbcollier]

There’s enough sticking out the speedo gear you might be able to do the same.

 

I just used old cables I had lying around.  Any shops around that work on older cars or older motorcycles or scooters?  They might have a used bike one around you could use.  Measure carefully!  Mine were 0.1 mm too tight and I had to carefully grind it down.

[MV8]

Ditto. I'd just cannibalize the existing cable and replace it with new and add synthetic/red wheel bearing grease to the new one. When the cables get dry as the old grease breaks down, the speedo needle will jump for a while before something like this fails. Old cables can work indefinitely if re greased when the needle starts jumping.

[jbcollier]

Check to make sure the main cable is free and lubed.  Also check that the speedometer head hasn’t seized.  Don’t want to be doing this again any time soon.