Engine Compartment Release Cable - knob came off and can't open

The knob that pulls my engine release cable came off and I can't get to the cable...thus I can't open the engine compartment.

Any ideas on how I can open the engine lid. Once I've done that, how do I install a new cable release and knob?

Thanks!

You can undo the engine grill screws to access the striker nut for the latch. When you reassemble add a hidden short pull cable

Or maybe an air shield above the exhaust of on side of engine. Why not replace with electric solenoid (try JC Whitney).

Isn't it ironic how easy it is to "break into" a speedster interior, and how difficult it is to break into the engine or trunk with a failed cable? That is why these cars are for people who like to fabricate things. When this same part failed on mine, I made my own parts. Now they are not only bullet proof, but theft proof cause I'm the only one who knows where the actuator is.

If there going to steal it, they'll steal it.
With a little "McGyver" I can fire up a speedster in under 30 seconds.
Rear parking light hot wire to the positive side of the coil.
Turn on the parking lights, you now have 12v to the coil, pop the clutch and "as Simon say's" .....off you go!
I-we did this a few times in HS to the Principal's old rat Beetle parking it front and center on the school lawn when he would be at lunch.
On the final adventure prior to being banded for the rest of my Senior year from parking my ride in the HS lot, the PA system came on and crackled ..."PUT MY CAR BACK....NOW!"
Early evening just prior to our Graduation on the HS football field, we struck one last time parking it on the 50 yard line :)

Some kids never grow up. You know, the sadest thing to see is a grown man when the boy inside has vanished.

Jack

If the kids pulled this today, I would have to post bail !

My precautionary fix for this fairly common VS problem is: Simply run a piece of pull wire from the release catch over to the left rear of the engine compartment thru the fender well. This can be done with little visual impact. I suggest using cable ties to secure it to the bottom of the existing pull wire tube. You may never need it, but it will always be there if you do.
Ernie

Hello Tim,

After you get it open you can get a VW cable and knob. Pull the old one out( it should be inside a hard tube that runs to the lock). Just thread it all the way until you reach the lock.

Like suggested, you should run a second cable(both front and back) to be safe.

You can email me if you need some help.

bryan

Alan - you and I would have gotton along great in high school. How about doing doughnuts on the front lawn of the principals house? Or the night we got stopped by the town police for cruizin and tossing eggs - we had to pull over by a dark alley so the assistant Science teacher, who was in the back seat with us, could slip out and escape. Then there was the Principals chair we hoisted up the school flagpole. Yeah, we moved a VW, but it was only another students - it was the only one in our town in 1957.

Thanks everyone...

Any more ideas?

Well - most of you won' like this idea. With a recessed license plate, I cut out an access hole inside the recess, just above the license. Normally, a license plate illumination light would fit here. I removed the light, and built a manual linkage to the trunk latch. Just reach up and flip it with your fingers. Fool proof and not obvious. But the vintage guys won't like it.