Speedo cable early 107s

[230/8]

I asked this once before and got no takers...

My 72 350SL (USA version) had an old after-market cruise control system installed. It is the old style, Delco I think, like Chevys and other GMs used back in the 60's. It does not operate and most of it has been removed, but the amplifier and cables are still in place. There is a cable from the trans to the amplifier which is mounted on the driver-side fender apron way up near the headlight bucket. There is also a cable from the amplifier back to the speedometer. This cable is routed along the fender apron and enters the cockpit up by the DS hood hinge area. There's a great gaping hole that I'm sure was once plugged off with a large rubber sealing plug.

Here's the question. Anyone know the original way the speedometer cable was run on these things? It is a mechanical speedo, not electric, and I'm pretty sure that MB would not have routed a humongous long cable looping way up through the engine compartment in through a huge hole in the firewall. But, I cannot locate any photos or diagrams that show how early cars were set up. Anyone know? Pictures of the replacement cable do not suggest it is a real long item that would be long enough to loop up through the engine compartment

None of my reference materials (I have the CD ROM, no help here) shows anything about this.

Any help would be appreciated.

230/8

[dpatterson]

Both my cars are right hand drive so the routing may be slightly different but here goes:

On a RHD car it leaves the speedo head, drops down about 3 inches and turns left to run past (and below) the opening for the stereo, but in front of the heater body. It then wraps around the side of the heater (fits tight between heater and inside of centre console side panel) and passes through a hole in the transmission tunnel next to the base of the heater on the LH side. From there it loops back about 14 inches directly to the transmission.

On a LHD car (ie yours) I can only assume it is supposed to go through the same hole on the LH side of the heater and that it therefore takes a more direct route from the back of the speedo straight down the to the side of the heater. Which leads me to wonder if LHD and RHD speedo cables are different lengths.

In any event on a RHD car the speedo cable doesnt enter the engine compartment and I would imagine its the same on a LHD car.

[230/8]

Thanks for the guidance. I will be replacing the console this summer (I hope) and will use that opportunity with stuff removed and opened up to get the speedo hooked up properly.

230/8