Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

hi, I am working on my 67.5 dash vents installing new rubber on the vents from Dean. i just realized the passenger side vable had been cut and i need to source this cable. i tried bicycle cable but its not thick/stiff enough to work. Anyone know of a source for this thicker cable with a barrel end? My cable housing is messed up too.

Thanks.

In the past, I’ve gone to my local chain auto store and purchased a generic choke cable kit or the like and stripped out the inner cable that comes with them. This was 20 years ago, however...not sure they carry that stuff anymore.

I would try OSH, they normally have a good selection of wire that you can buy by the foot. Looking at mine, it has a bicycle cable type end, so you should purchase something that will fit in the lever.

Amazon is your friend.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01JKSL8 ... i=15722951

That'll get you the stiff cable you need, but you still need to deal with the lever end, The other end is held in by a clamp. Maybe something like the 2nd photograph might work.

roadstermike wrote: ↑Sat Feb 17, 2018 3:42 pm hi, I am working on my 67.5 dash vents installing new rubber on the vents from Dean. i just realized the passenger side vable had been cut and i need to source this cable. i tried bicycle cable but its not thick/stiff enough to work. Anyone know of a source for this thicker cable with a barrel end? My cable housing is messed up too.

Thanks.

You need to be looking for single as opposed to multi strand wire.

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You need to be looking for single as opposed to multi strand wire.
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+1 Bike cable is fine for pulling, not for pushing - it’s not an appropriate application for the vents.

My car isn't handy at the moment, but I used "music wire" to rebuild the push/pull heater controls on my '68. A hobby shop will carry it and know what you're asking for. It comes in various thicknesses. I think what I used was 0.055". Not sure if that will work for the vent or not, but it's worth a try. Worked like a charm on the heater controls, and fit nicely in the original housing. It should also fit inside a choke/bicycle cable sheathing too. hth

Somewhat mickey mouse, but since all is hidden, who cares.

This is what I did, others, will probably improve on the process.

1) 5/16 clevis pin (HD didn't have a 1/4) though I think the 5/16 is better since it requires less accuracy in drilling.
2) HD braided wire - biggest you can find. I just took my housing with to make sure it fits. (Actually BIGGER than OEM)
3) Drilled/tapped hole for a small screw (used 3x60) in my case at further end from the clevis pin cap.
4) Drilled out vent control to take clevis pin
5) Cut clevis to leave minimum needed.

Notes:

If I had a shorter screw, then some of the filing/grinding would be unnecessary
1/4 clevis fits without drilling lever - though see above
Piano wire ( as in heater system ) could work, though since there is a bend in the "system", I am not so sure - especially since the "flex" part of the vent system is unsupported, i.e. there is a gap between the lever and the cable, where at least on Eliza, given that there was extra friction at the vent end, caused it to 'bend' and thus rendered it useless .

And for those of you who have not yet had this problem and use the original Datsun A/C system (i.e. vents), STRONGLY suggest that a bit of lubrication on the cables will save you from implementing whatever solution you may choose.


[attachment=0]20180409_122225[1].jpg[/attachment]

I found materials to make good replacements. The cable diameter is an exact match. The sheathing is 1mm greater in diameter, but it is plastic lined so it's very smooth in operation.

The barrel ends are slightly smaller in diameter. Most available today are metric and it appears ours were 1/4." They work fine--the mount on the vent is crimped down around it. Here's a pic of the cable and sheath Here's a pic installed I've got plenty of material to make more, but didn't know if there was interest or what was a fair cost. I don't know the length of the cables for the late cars, so someone would have to share that with me. Thx

Any auto parts store carries heater control cables Most will have at least 1 Z'd end. Cut the length to fit your needs.