Hi friends. Can anyone tell me how accurate your 1949-1953 Olds speedometers seem to be? Mines off by 9mph. I’m adding miles quicker than I should be! At least I won’t get any speeding tickets!!
Ive thoroughly cleaned and lubed the cable but it’s had no affect. The needle rides smooth, no sign of binding internally. Stock size tires and gear set. Ideas?

 

My 54 registers about 8 mph faster than I am actually traveling.

 

My 55 Super 88 speedometer is about 6-7 mph fast with standard tire size.

 

Given that the tyre sizing and speedo drive gear are kosher...and that the cable drive only does what it is told to do...I would suspect some time in the past, a Diff centre swap?? highway cruizi' stuff. Take it up from 3:1 to 4:1 say and all the other stuff doesn't gel anymore.

This would mean less gearbox revs for a 60 mph run...and therefore a lower speed on the speedo indicated.

Just a thought.

Cheers Paddy.

 

You didn't say which transmission you have, nor if the error in the speedometer and the odometer are the same. If the two are the same you may be able to resolve it by changing the driven gear in the transmission.

 

My '56 speedometer is 5mph faster.

 

Sounds like reading faster than actual is the norm for us. I have the only trans that was available in the 88 in 1949, the hydromatic. I am confident the drive train and gear set is all original. Nothings changed. Looks like “rocket powered” marketing got a little help in the form of an overly optimistic speedometer back in the day.

 

Mine has been adjusted in the past but was done when I was running 60 series tires seems OK now that I'm running stockers... Got me curious I'll have to check it out.... Tedd

 

Tedd, any recommendations on where to send the speedometer for calibration?

 

Mine went in to Boardori in Chico and I believe they did the adjustment at the transmission not the speedometer... 530-891-4972 . You might give them a call it's been a while ago. Tedd