Bowden cable for fresh air inlet and fan speed slider

gremlin · 03-25-2020, 09:45 AM

I'm installing the classic retrofit electrocooler AC In my 1971 RHD, it turns out that the bowden cable that goes from the top slider on the dash control (the one that controls how much fresh air is coming in from the box, and then has the three fan speeds on it (and yes I know the fan speeds aren't controlled by the cable, but same slider)) is a bit too short so I have to replace that cable.

Does anyone know if this part from our host is a cut to length part that can be used to do this? I've asked them and they're not sure, but trying to check on it, so I figured I'd ask the greater wisdom as well: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/91157211400.htm?pn=911-572-114-00-OEM

jac1976 · 03-25-2020, 10:11 AM

I would do a search. I believe some have actually used bicycle cable for this purpose. Cheaper, easier to source and manipulate.

gremlin · 12:45 PM

I've done a search, and not found anything definitive. I guess I should have said that. the closest I've found is this: 1983 SC dash climate control cables...help please

I really don't think bicycle cables would work for this, because they can pull, but they don't push. On a bicycle the derailleur is returned because it has a spring in it that pulls it back, and doing so pulls the cable back out. On the car, the wire has to be stiff enough to move the valve either direction, and a bike cable will just bend instead. It's possible the cable would work and I could use bike housing but I'd rather just get a part, which Is why I was asking if anyone had purchased the above and how long it was.

Pedro '84 Coupe · Pedro '84 Coupe's Garage

Don't know about the new part but I have some Bowden cables from a broken control panel. You can have one if it's the right length.

Duc Hunter · Duc Hunter's Garage

I went to Ace Hardware and got a lawn mower throttle cable. It had the same end that goes into the sliders as the Porsche cables and was plenty long enough. I also went to a bike shop and got new cable housings. Just a thought.

creaturecat · 08:33 AM

aasesales has the complete bowden cable. in stock.

Cory M · 03-26-2020, 08:29 AM

It's a push/pull cable, the factory used a solid wire, I'm not sure bicycle cable would be stiff enough to push well. Looks like the poster above me found the right stuff, if not I'd check McMasterCarr.

eastbay · 08:53 AM

controlcables.com or a custom motorcycle shop has what you need, always had them on my motorcycles, aka suicide throttle

gremlin · 03-26-2020, 09:41 AM

Okay I think the one on Aasesales is this? https://www.**************/products/da3f-s137-n-114534?_pos=5&_sid=2d7df501c&_ss=r

looks like it's 900mm long which is what I'm looking for a length so I can measure it. Thank you all!

Duc Hunter · Duc Hunter's Garage

I did buy one from someone, cannot rememberer who it was. It was not long enough though, thats why I went with the lawn mower option. The cable that was too short the one that comes around the front side of the blower.

Pedro '84 Coupe · Pedro '84 Coupe's Garage

The long cable that is pictured above measures 43" or 1090mm. PM me your address and I'll send it no charge.

gremlin · 03-26-2020, 01:57 PM

Pedro thank's so much very kind of you. PM Sent!

Mike Andrew · 03-27-2020, 06:13 AM

I would take a few minutes to get some oil, dry film lube or lube of some sort on it before you install it. My lever would hardly move and when I pulled the cable, it had some corrosion and would barely move. Some light oil, wiggling and some compressed air solved the issue and the lever moves effortlessly. An easy ,"while I'm in there".