Speedometer drive cable too short?, successfully tested from both ends Options

[carl k]

When I got my '74, the speedometer angle drive was missing and the speedo cable was severely bent. I replaced the speedometer angle drive with a good used unit and put in a brand new Gemo speedometer cable. The speedometer/odometer still doesn't work.

Here's the interesting part, when I disconnect the cable from the speedometer, leave it hanging under the dash, and drive around, I can see and feel the speedometer inner cable turning. Alternately, when I reconnect the cable to the speedo and spin the back end (at the transmission) with a drill, the speedometer and odometer work. It's as if the cable inner is just a tad too short to engage both ends at the same time. Both knurled nuts were tightened all the way.

Any experiences like this? Any suggestions?

thanks,
Carl K.