Replacement VASCAR Cable?

[ImEvil1]

I found a Ford replacement for the upper VASCAR cable. It's not the typical grey color, but it is functional. The pic below shows the black replacement next to the original upper grey from my '93 FHP car. If color is super-important, I'm sure that it could be sprayed grey. The lengths and fittings between the two are identical. Once I get the part-number verified for the black one, I'll post it up for everyone (it's in the wrong box....I found 10 or so of what I think is the right one, but haven't confirmed it yet).

[86NeSSP]

Very nice... Good score...

Matt

[ImEvil1]

Thanks...working on finding the lower one as well. I'm only going to run VASCAR on my CSP and '85 FHP, but I think it's good to have a spare (or an alternative to the obsolete cables for those missing the cables altogether). :)

[NoDrama43]

:D i love it when these parts get found !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FHP813]

Lucky thing you found them, if you know what I mean:devilsh:

[svopaul]

Great for "fuction" but not "correct" if you plan a concours restoration. Some people don't care for originality and that's fine but it's things like this that can bite you in the butt later if competing on a show level....for those that are into that sort of thing ;).

[ImEvil1]

Great for "fuction" but not "correct" if you plan a concours restoration. Some people don't care for originality and that's fine but it's things like this that can bite you in the butt later if competing on a show level....for those that are into that sort of thing ;).

We don't have a concours class (yet)....and the grey vinyl or spray dye would take care of the color issue. Otherwise, it's 100% the same as my OE cable. For people who need this section, it beats having to put a stock 1-piece cable on the car.

[NoDrama43]

Great for "fuction" but not "correct" if you plan a concours restoration. Some people don't care for originality and that's fine but it's things like this that can bite you in the butt later if competing on a show level....for those that are into that sort of thing ;).

but most importantly......the judges at MCA shows do not have a clue when it comes to these SSP cars and the "correct concours" equipment. Sign me up for a couple of them if you get them Mike...
:)

[svopaul]

We don't have a concours class (yet)....and the grey vinyl or spray dye would take care of the color issue. Otherwise, it's 100% the same as my OE cable. For people who need this section, it beats having to put a stock 1-piece cable on the car.

I'm playing devils advocate here....

That is true but putting Kiwi shoe polish on your body wouldn't make you a black man either but you are still a human being so you might pass unnoticed in certain places.

I agree it's functional but it needs to be kept clear that it's not exactly "correct" or then you end up with people changing history and then someone on Ebay sells one as NOS and takes someone for big $$$ while another at a show claims it's original and takes an award from someone else.

Great for function but painting it still doesn't make it "correct".

[svopaul]

but most importantly......the judges at MCA shows do not have a clue when it comes to these SSP cars and the "correct concours" equipment. Sign me up for a couple of them if you get them Mike...
:)

Now that is true and a problem for the hobby....at a recent show I went to I could have told them my SVO was "Stock" and nobody probably would have disputed it. But if details like this are swept under the rug then it doesn't really help the hobby when it comes to things like concours shows....which I am sure at some point in the future some people here, maybe you as well will participate in.

I am not a concours guy but I do some restorations for people like this and I see all sides.

[ImEvil1]

I agree it's functional but it needs to be kept clear that it's not exactly "correct" or then you end up with people changing history and then someone on Ebay sells one as NOS and takes someone for big $$$ while another at a show claims it's original and takes an award from someone else.

Great for function but painting it still doesn't make it "correct".

I never said it was "correct", I said it was a functional replacement, and no one here is changing any history. The "correct", NOS one that was just sold on Ebay doesn't have any part numbers or markings on it, and neither do either of the "correct", OE ones I have here on my cars. So...it would probably be pretty hard to tell the difference if done correctly, and it's a great alternative (under $50) for those that need them for their cars (especially the FHP cars, since just about every FHP car made came with one).

[ImEvil1]

but most importantly......the judges at MCA shows do not have a clue when it comes to these SSP cars and the "correct concours" equipment. Sign me up for a couple of them if you get them Mike...
:)

Will do.....just waiting on the other one I ordered to come in so I can verify the P/N.

[FHP813]

I'll take one too. :thanks:

[svopaul]

I never said it was "correct", I said it was a functional replacement, and no one here is changing any history. The "correct", NOS one that was just sold on Ebay doesn't have any part numbers or markings on it, and neither do either of the "correct", OE ones I have here on my cars. So...it would probably be pretty hard to tell the difference if done correctly, and it's a great alternative (under $50) for those that need them for their cars (especially the FHP cars, since just about every FHP car made came with one).


I know that....didn't say you didn't. My point is that things like this can quickly turn into being claimed as NOS. I also didn't say anyone here was changing history...this sort of thing happens over time as information is spread from person to person....10 people down the line it's NOS for that car and goes from there. What you've got is a crown vic cable and they do work for function and all and if you are not into shows or making the car "correct" but just functional then it's great. the one that was just sold on Ebay did in fact have a Ford part number tag on it as I inquired about it but decided not to bid when I saw a familiar name on the bid list.

But to say "it would probably be pretty hard to tell the difference if done right" isn't doing any favors to the hobby for those into concours...it's just not ethical in my opinion but that may just be me.

[ImEvil1]

I know that....didn't say you didn't. My point is that things like this can quickly turn into being claimed as NOS. I also didn't say anyone here was changing history...this sort of thing happens over time as information is spread from person to person....10 people down the line it's NOS for that car and goes from there. What you've got is a crown vic cable and they do work for function and all and if you are not into shows or making the car "correct" but just functional then it's great. the one that was just sold on Ebay did in fact have a Ford part number tag on it as I inquired about it but decided not to bid when I saw a familiar name on the bid list.

But to say "it would probably be pretty hard to tell the difference if done right" isn't doing any favors to the hobby for those into concours...it's just not ethical in my opinion but that may just be me.

No one here is quickly claiming anything as NOS. What happens on Ebay is sad sometimes, but it's not this site or its' members that are the ones doing that type of thing.

It's not a Crown Vic cable...it actually decodes for a Fairmont. The cable that Nodrama just bought doesn't have a ford part number tag on it.

There isn't any concours judging for restored police cars.....and painting a cable to make it look correct is unethical? If that's the case, I guess a whole lot of people are in trouble.

There's nothing wrong with making something work, when the original part is long obsolete. Now...listing this on Ebay and calling it an "NOS OE VASCAR Mustang cable"...I agree, would be unethical. I don't see anyone here doing that, though.

[svopaul]

No one here is quickly claiming anything as NOS. What happens on Ebay is sad sometimes, but it's not this site or its' members that are the ones doing that type of thing.

It's not a Crown Vic cable...it actually decodes for a Fairmont. The cable that Nodrama just bought doesn't have a ford part number tag on it.

There isn't any concours judging for restored police cars.....and painting a cable to make it look correct is unethical? If that's the case, I guess a whole lot of people are in trouble.

There's nothing wrong with making something work, when the original part is long obsolete. Now...listing this on Ebay and calling it an "NOS OE VASCAR Mustang cable"...I agree, would be unethical. I don't see anyone here doing that, though.


Mike, you are missing my point entirely....I didn't say that you or anyone else claimed it is NOS.....just that unless it is documented then as time passes people forget what original was other than a few that keep up with it and the next thing you know 5 years from now there is an arguement between two people...one claiming that grey is correct and the other claiming black is correct. And it is not this site or anyone here that is doing that sort of thing but it is this site's and everyones duty to keep information clear so that the facts aren't lost in the future.

Fairmont and Mustang share a lot and have a lot of similarities but there is also a CV cable that "works" but they are also hard to find. But curious...if the cable has no numbers how did you come to the conclusion that it decodes as a fairmont cable? Maybe Jim's tag was removed but if it's the same cable I inquired about, it had a tag on it at the time.

How do you suppose a concours class will come about? and painting a cable is no different that installing a correct or reproduced Data plate to an incorrect carb on a Boss 429...sure the tag makes it look right but it really isn't....no difference for the purist. I am not a purist personally but I have done work for a few and know how they think....like it or not thats the way it is. I see a LOT of reference from people hoping the SSP's are like Boss 302's...well then, this is where it's headed if that is to be the case...again, like it or not.

I've stated from the start that there was nothing wrong with making something work...I do it often myself. However my point is nothing more than a warning of what I've seen in the past where as years pass by something that was a close match was passed on through the chain as being original by someone down the road. All roads are paved with good intentions but along the way someone is bound to change the story. If you were to document this on your site as an informational point then that would go a VERY long way to avoid this problem....but it does happen and to think it can't or won't is only just looking the other way because it doesn't affect you now. If these cars hit the big time down the road for collectors, this WILL become the sort of issue you may see as people try to restore or cobble together cars in search of the big bucks...money is after all, the root of all evil. ;)

[ImEvil1]

Mike, you are missing my point entirely....I didn't say that you or anyone else claimed it is NOS.....just that unless it is documented then as time passes people forget what original was other than a few that keep up with it and the next thing you know 5 years from now there is an arguement between two people...one claiming that grey is correct and the other claiming black is correct. And it is not this site or anyone here that is doing that sort of thing but it is this site's and everyones duty to keep information clear so that the facts aren't lost in the future.

Fairmont and Mustang share a lot and have a lot of similarities but there is also a CV cable that "works" but they are also hard to find. But curious...if the cable has no numbers how did you come to the conclusion that it decodes as a fairmont cable? Maybe Jim's tag was removed but if it's the same cable I inquired about, it had a tag on it at the time.

How do you suppose a concours class will come about? and painting a cable is no different that installing a correct or reproduced Data plate to an incorrect carb on a Boss 429...sure the tag makes it look right but it really isn't....no difference for the purist. I am not a purist personally but I have done work for a few and know how they think....like it or not thats the way it is. I see a LOT of reference from people hoping the SSP's are like Boss 302's...well then, this is where it's headed if that is to be the case...again, like it or not.

I've stated from the start that there was nothing wrong with making something work...I do it often myself. However my point is nothing more than a warning of what I've seen in the past where as years pass by something that was a close match was passed on through the chain as being original by someone down the road. All roads are paved with good intentions but along the way someone is bound to change the story. If you were to document this on your site as an informational point then that would go a VERY long way to avoid this problem....but it does happen and to think it can't or won't is only just looking the other way because it doesn't affect you now. If these cars hit the big time down the road for collectors, this WILL become the sort of issue you may see as people try to restore or cobble together cars in search of the big bucks...money is after all, the root of all evil. ;)


Paul,

It is already documented on this site....check out the "Technical" section on Speedometers/Vascar cables. That's pretty clear documentation.

I understand your point about the "clouding" of OE equipment, but I'll offer that the selling of items on Ebay currently taking place that were NEVER on these cars deserves the attention you are giving this issue. ;)

We are not going to see a "Concours" class anytime soon, and your point about the painting of the cable being doesn't make much sense. Do people replace body panels with used panels in the exact same colors? If I found a good, used fender for my '83 that was white, when the car is black, does that mean I can't use it? :rolleyes:

The cable I found does have an engineering number on it, hence the Fairmont decode. NONE of the original VASCAR cables have any numbers on them, including the NOS one that just sold. Many, many other applications exist that used these two-piece cables and there are more out there.

[NoDrama43]

I will chime in for just a short time. The NOS vascar cable I bought from PPI on ebay last week has a piece of yellow tape on it with the following written in black ink "E8ZV9A20-BA". The tag does not appear to be a ford tag. I have NO issue with it not having some sort of Ford Motor Company original tag. I have several other mustang vascar cables and it matches up perfectly. It is the same length, diameter, construction etc. I plan on taking it to a speedo shop and seeing if I can get some more made?????? If I do and I sell them I will not advertise them as NOS, just quality replacement parts.

As hard as it is to find some of these parts sometimes you have to be resourceful....or just pony up when you can find the originals somewhere.

When I talked to JIm D about vascar cables the other day we discussed the possibility of using a crown vic cable. he states length would probably be an issue, and possibly the transmission attachment point being different. I don't know as I have never compared them.

[svopaul]

Paul,

It is already documented on this site....check out the "Technical" section on Speedometers/Vascar cables. That's pretty clear documentation.

I understand your point about the "clouding" of OE equipment, but I'll offer that the selling of items on Ebay currently taking place that were NEVER on these cars deserves the attention you are giving this issue. ;)

We are not going to see a "Concours" class anytime soon, and your point about the painting of the cable being doesn't make much sense. Do people replace body panels with used panels in the exact same colors? If I found a good, used fender for my '83 that was white, when the car is black, does that mean I can't use it? :rolleyes:

The cable I found does have an engineering number on it, hence the Fairmont decode. NONE of the original VASCAR cables have any numbers on them, including the NOS one that just sold. Many, many other applications exist that used these two-piece cables and there are more out there.

That's good but what I meant was to add into that documentation about the useable substitutions....which you may have planned already this topic is still very young.

Hey, when it comes to ebay I often email sellers to correct them on their listing...most of the time it goes ignored though. I think they do it on purpose just to attempt to get more money for it.

A body panel is different than a cable....a cable is not supposed to be a painted part. That would be like spray painting plug wires so they looked correct. Maybe my outlook is different because I restore cars for a living but some things when you paint them lose something in their appearance. Average onlookers may never notice but those who know....know most of the time unless they are not paying attention.

OK, I thought you were referring to the ebay cable being the Fairmont cable...thanks for clearing that up.

[svopaul]

I will chime in for just a short time. The NOS vascar cable I bought from PPI on ebay last week has a piece of yellow tape on it with the following written in black ink "E8ZV9A20-BA". The tag does not appear to be a ford tag. I have NO issue with it not having some sort of Ford Motor Company original tag. I have several other mustang vascar cables and it matches up perfectly. It is the same length, diameter, construction etc. I plan on taking it to a speedo shop and seeing if I can get some more made?????? If I do and I sell them I will not advertise them as NOS, just quality replacement parts.

As hard as it is to find some of these parts sometimes you have to be resourceful....or just pony up when you can find the originals somewhere.

When I talked to JIm D about vascar cables the other day we discussed the possibility of using a crown vic cable. he states length would probably be an issue, and possibly the transmission attachment point being different. I don't know as I have never compared them.


I've gotten many parts from Ford with those yellow tape labels...usually speedo or parking brake cables...things of that nature.

Yes, you most certainly have to be resourceful. I've reproduced quite a few parts over the years...some easy, some not. A lot of research often goes into stuff like this too so that you can find something that works.

Cable length is an issue and the side of the transmission that the cable attaches can be an issue as well. If your application is on the passenger side of the transmission and the one you are attempting to use was on the Driver then it will be too short....the opposite...too long. For function you can sometimes hide the excess or it is just not seen unless under the car. Again though as discussed if you need functionality then Function takes priority over form.....if you can get both then all the better.

[ImEvil1]

Hey, when it comes to ebay I often email sellers to correct them on their listing...most of the time it goes ignored though. I think they do it on purpose just to attempt to get more money for it..

I agree...but the "mustang interceptor" 5.0 badges and "police interceptor" decals do a heckuva lot worse than what we are talking about here.


A body panel is different than a cable....a cable is not supposed to be a painted part. That would be like spray painting plug wires so they looked correct. Maybe my outlook is different because I restore cars for a living but some things when you paint them lose something in their appearance. Average onlookers may never notice but those who know....know most of the time unless they are not paying attention. .

I wouldn't spray paint the cable, personally...but vinyl dye would be an option.


OK, I thought you were referring to the ebay cable being the Fairmont cable...thanks for clearing that up.

No..the cable I found. The OE cables on my '83 CSP are both grey, BTW. With no part numbers on either cable, who's to say what the correct color cable is on the early cars anyway?

[svopaul]

I agree...but the "mustang interceptor" 5.0 badges and "police interceptor" decals do a heckuva lot worse than what we are talking about here.

Yes but much of that is obviously aftermarket and original Ford literature can easily prove those to be incorrect...but original literature does not show or describe other details.



I wouldn't spray paint the cable, personally...but vinyl dye would be an option.

That may work and although many may not tell the difference there are people like me who could if I really wanted to examine it. Honestly though you could fool MCA judges because they really don't have much of a clue about much of the specialty cars....I hope they try to change this but it is doubtful that it will happen anytime soon.



No..the cable I found. The OE cables on my '83 CSP are both grey, BTW. With no part numbers on either cable, who's to say what the correct color cable is on the early cars anyway?

That is were research comes into play...talking to those who dealt with the cars or were around them when new...enthusiasts from long ago and pictures if you can find them. Unrestored cars also attest to this. Things like this like you have done on this site document this and keep the record straight so that confusion or misrepresentations down the road are avoided or debunked.

[ImEvil1]

Yes but much of that is obviously aftermarket and original Ford literature can easily prove those to be incorrect...but original literature does not show or describe other details..

It's not that obvious to some people who are new to the hobby. I'm sure a good deal of the stuff is sold to unsuspecting people.


That is were research comes into play...talking to those who dealt with the cars or were around them when new...enthusiasts from long ago and pictures if you can find them. Unrestored cars also attest to this. Things like this like you have done on this site document this and keep the record straight so that confusion or misrepresentations down the road are avoided or debunked.

I have been fortunate...I was around some of these cars when new, and I was issued and drove one in-service. Still...I didn't pay close enough attention to alot of the little things, and I'm still constantly learning, and still constantly researching. My CSP car still has the original paint, and a ton of other original parts, but I can't say with 100% certainty that the cable on the car is what was on the car when it left Dearborn. For me, I just want something that looks correct, and actually works with the VASCAR system I'm installing.

[FlyinTiger]

As for me, if it works and looks correct, then it's good to go. I would like to be added to the waiting list for these, as I know it is most likely missing from the '85 that I will be bringing home shortly. I am still unclear as to what is actually correct for the '85. Paul caught me before I spent stupid money on the 88-93 one on Ebay, and thanks for that. I will also need the bottom half, too, eventually. I don't care at this point what color it is. When the car is that detailed, maybe by then I will know which one I am looking for. Right now, I am happy with getting it to work when the car is together.

[NoDrama43]

I am still checking the application for the cable. I have a couple of s-rod 4 speeds in inventory and the speedo -cable attaching area on the trans looks identical in size and shape to a t-5. I will probably just go to parts house and buy a replacement cable for an 82 4speed car and see what it looks like. I also checked all my cars that have the vascar cable intact on them (3). I don't have any that have a part number or part number tag on them.

I bought some more vascar parts last week and I think i have everything now to put a working vascar unit back in the 83 FHP car. That is my ultimate goal.

[ImEvil1]

As for me, if it works and looks correct, then it's good to go. I would like to be added to the waiting list for these, as I know it is most likely missing from the '85 that I will be bringing home shortly. I am still unclear as to what is actually correct for the '85. Paul caught me before I spent stupid money on the 88-93 one on Ebay, and thanks for that. I will also need the bottom half, too, eventually. I don't care at this point what color it is. When the car is that detailed, maybe by then I will know which one I am looking for. Right now, I am happy with getting it to work when the car is together.

I'll be bringing the '83 CSP car over from storage this weekend (hopefully) to do a brake job. I'll take a look at the cable, like Jim said, and see what the differences are (if any). I think that the cable being discussed will work on the earlier T-5 cars, but I'm not sure about the SROD cars. I'll post up some pics if it all works out. The one that went for $100 was a good deal....it listed for alot more than that from Ford (when you could still buy them).

[FlyinTiger]

Thanks for checking the application, Mike and Jim. The $100 one was a good buy. I expected it to go for much, much more, as I had seen in the past.

[svopaul]

It's not that obvious to some people who are new to the hobby. I'm sure a good deal of the stuff is sold to unsuspecting people.


I think we are always going to have that.....I still have people that come to me telling me that they have or saw a 1998 or whatever SN95 Mustang SVO....when what they saw was a car with a Ford Motosport "SVO" side exhaust kit.



I have been fortunate...I was around some of these cars when new, and I was issued and drove one in-service. Still...I didn't pay close enough attention to alot of the little things, and I'm still constantly learning, and still constantly researching. My CSP car still has the original paint, and a ton of other original parts, but I can't say with 100% certainty that the cable on the car is what was on the car when it left Dearborn. For me, I just want something that looks correct, and actually works with the VASCAR system I'm installing.

That's part of the fun....nobody knows "Everything" and everyone learns something new each day.

[ImEvil1]

That's part of the fun....nobody knows "Everything" and everyone learns something new each day.

I agree...and there is always going to be another car out there waiting to provide us with previously unknown or undocumented information. Definitely part of the fun...

[svopaul]

We restored a 1989 Mustang almost 5 years ago and found a coffee cup in the inner fenderwell that had a FORD logo on it....that was funny.

I also removed a K-member from a 1994 Cobra and it had written in white paint "How are you today?" on the top where it would be hidden/sandwiched between the Frame Rail and K-member.

Some of the production line stuff is funny and then there are other variations you find as well. I once bought a 1984 Mustang SVO that had rear shoulder belts with Ford labels on them....after investigation it turned out that Ford offered a rear shoulder belt kit after there was some uproar or news story about the safety of cars back in the mid 80's. It's the only rear shoulder Mustang kit I've ever seen.

[ImEvil1]

Update: Long day here......

I switched out the '82 CHP car for the '83 CSP. The end of the cable that terminates into the SROD looks pretty much like what I'm used to seeing from the '93. Does anyone here have a pic of the late-model assembly (including the drive gear that plugs into the tranny) handy? It's been a long time since I replaced the 2-piece cable with a 1-piece (1997) and I can't remember how the assembly attaches to the end of the cable (if it even does).

I didn't take pics...the tranny was losing fluid (alot more than I remember with the '93) and I didn't have my camera handy.

[86NeSSP]

Update: Long day here......

I switched out the '82 CHP car for the '83 CSP. The end of the cable that terminates into the SROD looks pretty much like what I'm used to seeing from the '93. Does anyone here have a pic of the late-model assembly (including the drive gear that plugs into the tranny) handy? It's been a long time since I replaced the 2-piece cable with a 1-piece (1997) and I can't remember how the assembly attaches to the end of the cable (if it even does).

I didn't take pics...the tranny was losing fluid (alot more than I remember with the '93) and I didn't have my camera handy.


I'll post one up by the end of the night...

Got one in the garage.

M

[ImEvil1]

I'll post one up by the end of the night...

Got one in the garage.

M

Good deal....thanks.

I had a sticky right front brake and almost didn't make it to the house. I've been needing to completely redo the brakes for awhile on that car.:eek:

[86NeSSP]

Good deal....thanks.

I had a sticky right front brake and almost didn't make it to the house. I've been needing to completely redo the brakes for awhile on that car.:eek:

I'm happy that car is running and driving. Get those binders changed out!

[ImEvil1]

I'm happy that car is running and driving. Get those binders changed out!

It's always done that. :)

Now the other '83....I wouldn't try to drive that one anywhere.

[86NeSSP]

OK the one I have is for a 89 car with the one with the speed sensor. So I guess the only one I have is the one on my 85 coupe...

Here is the picture I`have...

[ImEvil1]

It looks like it may be the same....is there a gear on the end of that one? (hard to tell in the pic)

[86NeSSP]

It looks like it may be the same....is there a gear on the end of that one? (hard to tell in the pic)

No it's not. But it just slides on the end and a a C-clip holds it on.

M

[ImEvil1]

That's what I was missing. :)

Thanks...I'll take another look at it this weekend, and hopefully get some pics posted. Your '85 and the VASCAR-equipped cars would both have the same terminal ends, so it looks like they are all going to be the same.

[ImEvil1]

I believe I have the PN figured out, but it's not 100%. The pic below has the number and several vendors who have it in stock.