Clutch cable shortening

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 10:56 am

Guys,
Engine is back in woohoo - not started yeat but was fairly easy refit.

Electrics are currently being fitted and lots of new bits fitted like relays etc. Any suggestions for gluing cable tie bases to the inside of body without it bleeding through?

Have noticed that clutch cable needs shortening.... I have one of those VWHeritage kits that has a flat end with a hole. I assume the cable goes though this and you just tighten down the nut onto the cable. Bit crude...

Any cable shortening firms around that can put a new threaded end onto it? I did a search but didnt find any.

Also how do you pull it through the tunnel? Assume its worth tieing some string to feed it back through once sorted?

I have soooo many blood blisters and cuts/grazes after this weekend! Backs killing me and I have sunburn too lol!

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:08 pm

Clutch cable shortening kits crude is an understatement, there SH@T!!! I would advise putting a couple of tiny U bolts on the cable to stop it slipping back through the shortening bolt (if you know what I mean??) I'll post a pic later when I'm home. The other option is try http://www.speedycables.com/page65.html although when I phoned up they weren't very helpful over the phone but he did say send the old cable and dimensions and he would see what he could do!
As for where does it go, there is a steel tube that runs down the tunnel on the passengers side. If you poke your finger in the whole on the passenger side the opening to the tube is around there. You then have to poke the threaded end of the cable down, once in the tube it goes down quite easily.
You can get cable ties that have a base that you can fix to your body try http://www.cbsonline.co.uk

oliver365 · Post by **oliver365** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:27 pm

I went to a place that made cables ,it well worth doing coz the clutch needs strength! just like the last guy said the kits you buy r shite

speedstars · Post by **speedstars** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:41 pm

They are crude, but they work. I`ve had no problems with all the ones I`ve fitted, and they`re infininately adjustable. If you have a cable made up, don`t forget to take into account the free play in the clutch operating lever. This can be up to 1-1/2" depending on your clutch before the release bearing starts to operate. This could mean the shortened cable could be 1" 1/2 too long and you wont have enough threads to adjust the clutch. If you haven`t got a Haynes manual for your Beetle buy one, you need it.

mdmax72 · Post by **mdmax72** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:36 pm

I bought mine from chesil as he had it in stock and came within a few days. Chesil do have there use's sometimes. Get x2 and keep one in your spares box, you never know when you need another in hast.

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:51 am

Thanks chaps.

Rich stupid question but I'd assume as chesil use shortened chassis it'd be the right length for mine too (its shortened by 103/4" I think it is)

Need to pop down to chesil for a heated screen soon so may need a lickle shopping list.

Paul

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:29 pm

here is a link the the cable tie bases http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/CABL ... ASES_CTBAS

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:49 pm

got some of those but the sticky is crap and they just fall off!

further info on clutch cables - Chesil do do 'em - £19+ each

On way down this weekend for 2, heated screeen and poss a new wiper motor - mines a bit tatty.

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:02 pm

Their heated screens are made out of really thin glass they demist dead quick but I've had major issues with mine cracking! It's now cracked in 3 different places on the same screen at different times. Just ask what the warranty on one of their screen is?

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:25 pm

hmmm i assume none! Anyone else offer heated screens??

oliver365 · Post by **oliver365** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:56 pm

Has anyone ever needed to demist or heat the windsceen ?

speedstars · Post by **speedstars** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:07 pm

I used to drive mine every day, you only need demist for nine months of the year!! They are great fun in snow and ice, just let the rear tyre pressures down.

ims101 · Post by **ims101** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:09 pm

yeah all the time on a wet or cold damp day. Why don't you?

speedstars · Post by **speedstars** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:19 pm

Needs must, before I got the 944, and the Beetle was in two halves, it was the only car I had on the road. I`m lazy now, I like a tin top, and a heater that blows lots of hot air during the Winter.

mdmax72 · Post by **mdmax72** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:12 pm

Try using plastic P clips to hold the cables in place. Worked good for me and come in differant sizes. Got them from eBay and the screws from Screwfix. Screws come with there own drill bit on the end so no pre drilling required.

Yes chesil clutch cables do come already shortend 10"3/4 with the threaded bit on the end to adjust. Cost alittle more the the standard beetle but no hassle to fit.

Little tip, put a dab of vasline on the screw once you've screwed it in out.

[img]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181 ... 2ce8fb.jpg[/im
g]

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker