Thanks, Yak, for the info on the collar. I WILL put it back on now that I know the story on that. Really odd that I've had it off a few times before when changing out the tumbler last year and didnt' have a problem, but I didn't have the new housing on it either, so it was old part to old part. Per the speedo cable, I've replaced it twice since I've owned the car, and know from previous experience that you always connect the dash first for ease. I realized that I could get under the car and cut a couple of zip ties to give me slack, but as I said, it was snowing, freezing and there was 3 inches of snow and ice on the hood, so I just used the "fuss and cuss" system, and eventually made it go. But thanks just the same for the tip.
And, Jim, I agree totally about cutting that damned (and I DO mean damned) lock bolt off, because this is no longer a $33k car in the 80's. But as I said above, weather was a big factor in my choices this time (I did this work at the curb in front of our house), and just to be able to drive it again was my main goal. Thanks for all the support, fellas! This forum is a life saver. Just wish I had gone and bought a new camera so I could have posted pics or made a DIY thread. (Used my cell phone for the pics I posted of the bad parts). AND NOW, TO THE VACUUM PUMP PROJECT!
