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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Speedo cable routing

What is the correct speedo cable routing for a 1275 Ribcase gearbox on a RHD car? The 66” long cable I’ve got isn’t long enough to go through the passenger footwell as I thought it did. Maybe I’m getting all mixed up as that was the way it was routed originally when it was LHD.
With the output from the gearbox being on the LH, the cable would have to go under the engine/box at some point and I can’t remember that being the case. Looking at my Sprite is no use as it’s got a 5 speed!

John Payne

yes, under the gearbox, held in a spring steel clip on a bracket mounted at the bottom of the backplate. Then up between the starter and dynamo, curving back to enter the cockpit through the hole just next to the steering column. Up the underside of the sloping footwell roof and into the back of the gauge.
David Smith

There is also a P clip that holds the cable to one of the brake box screws. The screw should be slightly longer so the clip can be held by a 1/4" nut and spring washer
Bob Beaumont

Cheers David, me being an idiot then! I’d spotted an open hole near the column only the other day as well.
That’s good news though, I’ve now got two speedo cables that should fit. Will give me something to do tomorrow!

Edit. Thanks Bob, that makes sense, I’ll see what I can find to clip it up with.

John Payne

John, if that means that you have a surplus new speedometer cable,I would happily buy it from you. Unless you would rather keep it as a spare?
GuyW

Bob, you're a genius! You've answered something (else) I hadn't noted on stripdown i.e. the reason for the longer pedal box bolt. Thanks!
Bill Bretherton

Here's a shot of a Mk3 cable installation.

Also a dash bracket for Nigel.

Dave O'Neill 2

Now you put the photo up!

. . . and the cable routing into steering cowl (with strap) for Mike.
Nigel Atkins

Job done.

Had to make a little bracket to clip the cable to the bottom of the bellhousing but the rest was easy and it now fits perfectly. Whether it works remains to be seen when I manage to get out for a test drive!

I’ve omitted the clip to the pedal box for the moment - It doesn’t seem to need it.

Guy, unfortunately my idiotic attempt to fit the original cable the wrong way has resulted in it being scorched by resting against the exhaust manifold - yes I drove it like that! Anyway, it’s lost it’s pvc coating and seems to have lost its spring a bit so I don’t think it will last long. I’m using it as is but had better keep the new one in case it goes.

Stand by for more questions as finish off some of the last jobs and try to iron out some of the teething problems!
John Payne

No problem John. Just thought as I need to buy one it might just as well have been you who benefitted from the sale,if it was surplus.
GuyW

John,
if you find the speedo needle (now) flickers I might have a solution.
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2020 and 10/05/2020

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