Speedo cable to speedo

[inxs]

I recentlly purchased a 2+2 (50/100). This is an early an model, when checking why the speedo wont work (its been off the road for 16 years) I found the cable wasnt connected to the back of the speedo. The speedo cable turns (good sign!!) but the screw connector on the cable appears too large to connect to the back of the speedo. The speedo connection has a "rubber sleeve" over the thread to try and match up the thread from the speedo cable but it does not fit.
The speedo cable looks original and the speedo has not been changed (at least not that I know of) Before I rip out the cable and get a new end made up for the speedo some may enlighten me if the "rubber sleeve" is normal
Thanks in advance

[john.p.clegg]

Sounds like a good home-made bodge to me,it might even work if it holds the cable in place on the speedo head.....
John