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Technical Throttle and choke cables

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by fordy6, Aug 16, 2024.

  1. fordy6
    Joined: May 24, 2006
    Posts: 107

    fordy6
    Member

    Hello H.A.M.B.
    Does anyone know how to install the throttle and choke cables? I'm bringing my '46 Ford coupe back to a stock flathead. I have no idea how to run these new cables through the firewall. The holes on the firewall seem too small for the big rubber tube located in the middle of the cable.
    Thanks, Mike
     
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  2. Jim Bouchard
    Joined: Mar 2, 2011
    Posts: 1,262

    Jim Bouchard
    Member

    I grabbed this off the internet. Is this what you’re talking about? The two rods?
    The big rubber things are vibration separators and “elbows” to allow them to flex.
    IMG_4516.jpeg IMG_4517.jpeg
     
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  3. THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Joined: Jun 6, 2007
    Posts: 6,049

    THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Member
    from FRENCHTOWN

    Premium teflon-lined bicycle brake cables with custom machined ends has worked well for me.
    hottub03.JPG
     
  4. skooch
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 730

    skooch
    Member

    That’s nifty. How is the wire attached? The little set screw that holds modern throttle cables leave me less than comfortable.
     
  5. lake_harley
    Joined: Jun 4, 2017
    Posts: 2,391

    lake_harley
    Member

    I don't have any photos, but like FTF I used a bicycle cable. The cable set screw hasn't failed me yet. To me, making up my own throttle cable was a better option than a high priced "street- rod" throttle cable.

    Lynn
     
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  6. THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Joined: Jun 6, 2007
    Posts: 6,049

    THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Member
    from FRENCHTOWN

    Yup, I get that. What I try to do is find a way to repurpose existing ends. I am fortunate to have a lathe and a TIG welder so I can machne ends as needed. Some Ford accelerator cables have a snap-in nylon bushing I can use. I often run the cable through a hole in the end and then burn back the cable with the TIG to form a ball on the end that will never fail.

    On other applications I have also replaced the twisted cable with a piece of stainless steel welding rod if there is a relatively straight shot from the gas pedal to the carb.
     
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  7. Damon777
    Joined: Jan 7, 2022
    Posts: 157

    Damon777
    Member

    Those set screws work in bicycle braking situations, seeing far more pulling force than a throttle return spring. I ran them in high-stress situations on BMX bikes, and never had one slip.
     
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  8. fordy6
    Joined: May 24, 2006
    Posts: 107

    fordy6
    Member

    Yes Jim, the holes in the firewall are too small for the elbow to go through. The actual knob is forced fitted on and can't be removed!
     
  9. Jim Bouchard
    Joined: Mar 2, 2011
    Posts: 1,262

    Jim Bouchard
    Member

    The last time I messed with those, the repro ones I bought were one long assembly.
    I took a screw driver and on the firewall side of the big rubber thing, gently pried the crimped part open enough to slide the rod out. Then once everything was installed from the dash out to the engine I inserted it back into the crimp and crimped it back down with some plyers.
    I have also heard of some of the repro ones not having a crimped end and the rod is just pushed into the rubber. I never have but I’ve heard of guys pulling the rod out of the rubber and after assembly putting JB weld in the rubber to anchor the rod.
    I hope this helps.
     
  10. fordy6
    Joined: May 24, 2006
    Posts: 107

    fordy6
    Member

    I'll try both, the rubber seems to be on there perminantly. I'll try uncrimping the cable.
    Thanks, Mike
     
  11. fordy6
    Joined: May 24, 2006
    Posts: 107

    fordy6
    Member

    I managed to seperate the rubber tube from the throttle mech. I think I'll use a good vulcanized glue to put it back together, but it did work.
    Thanks again Jim, Mike
     
    Jim Bouchard likes this.
  12. Jim Bouchard
    Joined: Mar 2, 2011
    Posts: 1,262

    Jim Bouchard
    Member

    Excellent
    I’m happy it worked for you
     

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