Clutch cable

Anyone else have the problem of their clutch cable breaking? I have the cable shortening kit from CIP. The clutch cable breaks right where the cable attatches to the fitting. I've radiused the edges think it'll keep it from cutting but the cable still started to cut. I've changed the cable twice in 1000 miles. Anyone else have this problem. Anyone else have another way of shortening the cable.?

I would highly recommend going to a hydraulic clutch system....I realize that was not your question, but having had both the hydraulic and the cable, it is well worth the time and effort to never replace another cable. if you decide to do this I also recommend using a hydraulic cylinder saver.....

My cable broke twice in the last five years, but the tube had a slight S in it. It rubbed itself in two at the point where the chassis was re-welded. I think hydraulic is the way to go, even though your symptoms were different.

Cable shortening devices are worthless. I get stock cables shortened by a cable fabricating company. They remove the pedal end fitting from the cable, cut the cable and swedge the fitting back on the cable. The overall length I get is 76 1/2 inches. You can probably have a marine(sailboat) rigging shop perform this procedure.

Or you can call Vintage Speedsters or JPS Motorsports and buy a cable the correct length from them. Whatever you do, get rid of the useless cable shortening device. It probably wouldn't hurt to replace the bowdin tube as well.

Good Luck, Have Fun.

Thanks for the replies,
I have an old CMC model. There is a thick piece of metal above the front frame that will need to be cut to install the clutch pedal. I'd rather not cut it.
The custom cable sounds promising.

I looked at several "cable shortening" devices and clamps. Rejected all of them on sight for the reasons you mentioned. I just took my old cable to the VW store and ended up buying a slightly longer stock VW cable - cheap. I retained the old threaded adjuster, which had about one foot of good cable left on it after the classic Bowden tube cable break. I overlapped the old and new cables between the bowden tube and the firewall and installed three cable clamps about one inch apart. No failures since install. No sign of any wear at the cable clamps. Still have enough unused extra cable attached to probably get me home should another bowden failure occur.

Ya gotta grease them suckers!

Ben,
Where exactly did your clutch cable break at?

It break right at the threaded shortening fitting

Go to http://www.mcmaster.com/
Search for wire rope fittings. There is a cable end fitting with a threaded end that should work. I have used them on my e brake cable without any problems . If you are daring you could very well fab up a very long lasting clutch cable.
I went the hydraulic clutch route.
Joe

In the Engines/Mechanical forum at this website (SOC), during a thread discussing Weber carb set-up, I asked John about the hydralic clutch kit they sell, and if Aircooled.net was still giving SOC members a discount.

Note! I think this is the "way to go". With this kit, You'll never have to worry about funky clutch cable failures.
see it Here:
http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=CFC0021&cartid=0223200611417883

Here's some excerpts from his reply.

Greg B
******************************************************************************************************
I'll give 10% off to SOC members from now to the end of March, if you put "Speedsterowners.com Member" in the special instructions field during checkout. This includes all weber and Mallory stuff. Remember, we setup and jet every weber that leaves our warehouse so you don't have to. Nobody else does this.

That hydraulic clutch kit is awesome!

John
Aircooled.Net Inc.

Ben,
Your speedster is looking awesome. I'm really impressed with your unique approach. Can't wait to see it finished.

Greg, thanks for the information. I emailed aircooled.net for more information. Looks promising.

Terry, thanks for the compliments. As far as being finished. hehe I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.