Pulled Out Trip Reset Cable - Problem??

[Moraga_Pulsar]

I was having trouble removing the knob on the trip reset cable (to get the radio bezel removed) .... in a stupid hurry and accidently pulled out the cable a bit (the trip reset worked fine before my pull).

Well with no resistance it came out a few inches ... I can't get it back in.

Is the cable broken? (I pulled it all out and it seemed to have a square profile on the end, as if it would seat in the proper slot), I'm thinking not broken but?

Or is it possible to get this back in with a little patience? (it won't go in the last 4 inches now, just gets stuck going in), without a major dismantle. Or is the dismantle not that big a deal?

Thanks for any advice here ... I was getting the radio back to stock (it had a cut out from a long time ago) and #$%$!@ I made things possibly worse.

Thanks!! Glenn :Dou:

[73 Centurion]

For future reference the little knob screws off the end of the reset shaft. It usually then disappears into a tiny space between the seats never to be seen again.:rant:


My tripmeter doesn't work, but I've always wanted to fix that. I hope someone has some more detail for you.

I'm afraid you're going to need to some major dash work to fix the damage. The part of the dash behind the faceplates supports the front of the radio (not the bezel). That has to be cut to fit a modern radio. The best way to fix it is to get another instrument cluster and replace the whole thing. It's not as bad as it sounds if you remove the dashpad you get very good access. All it takes is carefully unbolting each item from the hacked dash and bolting them into the replacement. The sub-dash is one peice that supports everything in the dash from the headlight switch over to the radio. The sub-dash is the same for any full size Buick '71-'73.

While you're at it I recommend you replace every light bulb you see. It will never be easier to get at them. There are 2 bulbs that are supposed to shine down from the overhang of the dashboard. I didn't even know they were there until I removed my dashpad.

John

[Moraga_Pulsar]

Well I never did find an answer, on this forum or similar. Even bought a service manual, no go.

However I did fix it .... I pulled the cable all the way out, applied white lithium grease to the entire length with an extra amount at the tip, re-inserted to the point of resistance. Using a twisting motion and a fair degree of push, I was able to get past the section that was binding. With continued insertion and near the end (3" remaining), I was able to twist and align with the trip odo ... followed with the final retaining nut, and bingo -- a fully fuctional trip odo, and no wacky cable sticking out from the dash. Glenn