• Registered: 2006-01-03
  • Posts: 33

Topic: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

...and now I'm going to replace it!  Anyone have tips/pointers before I start on this project?   According to the shop manual it doesn't 'seem' to be that difficult of a job.


However, the last person to work on my gas pedal (used to have a large door hinge for a pedal) replaced it with a roller wheel type.  I know that the '63 is a traditional pedal - so I'm wondering if there are any difference I should be aware of when swapping out the traditional pedal for the roller type?  ( I bring this up, because just before it snapped the cable looked as if it was being dragged across the outer edge of the cable tubing, as it exited the tube into the front of the car).

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

Capt. Buko wrote:

...and now I'm going to replace it!  Anyone have tips/pointers before I start on this project?   According to the shop manual it doesn't 'seem' to be that difficult of a job.

I haven't worked on a Beetle as old as a '63...but if there are some similarities to newer Beetles...I would check for wear on the tube that the accelerator cable exits from. 

I know on some of the Beetles I have owned, if the accelerator cable rubs on that tube...the cable can wear a notch into it...which isn't very good for the cable.

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • Registered: 2006-01-03
  • Posts: 33

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

I'll look for that, thanks.

  • From: Bethel Park PA
  • Registered: 2004-06-27
  • Posts: 686

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

Here's how it should look when you're done.
http://www.geocities.com/dyouse2000/VWphotos/055.jpg

David H
'66 VW Beetle w/sunroof
http://tinyurl.com/qhw59
"Where am I going ... and why am I in this handbasket?"
  • Registered: 2006-01-03
  • Posts: 33

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

Well, it's been replaced and I have to say it was a pretty easy job.  Took me about 15mins and the toughest part was keeping the grease (used to grease down the cable) from getting all over the place! 

My pedal travel has improved and overall smoothness of the pedal is much, much better.

  • Registered: 2007-03-27
  • Posts: 2,422

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

Yeah Dave cant tell from the Pic but is there a small spring on that pedal ???
  Small spring is neccessary for a long Roller arm life ! Weight of pedal will cause the hole where cable insert's to wear oblong in short order !
  It goe's over the Roll pinn that attache's the gas pedal then clipp's intoo the bottom of the pedal .
  In addition to that most throttle cable's pull out from being Adjusted wrong back at the carb !
  Engine torque will pull a badly adjusted cable end right out of the roller arm assembly !
  On lowest step of the choke <<< Then pull tight << then back off as to allow considerable slack in the line then tighten lock bolt !!
  Most Blank up on the Lowest step of the choke part !
  Then it work's until you get in her hard and motor torques and Snapp's cable or just pulls the pedal end of the cable out of it's hole !
  Also a habitual throttle cable breakage etc. can be indicative of badd motor mount !
  Cable I runn in are 69 is 4 or 5 year's old !! they last for ever on OEM set up's if there correctly sett up !!
  If your breakin one ever 3 - 6 month's ?? Forgett it ! lett's just take my Car, instead !! Ok ??? LMAO
  I frikin hate V.W's there Junk !! LMAO
                                                          Sean

  • Registered: 2006-01-03
  • Posts: 33

Re: Accelerator cable snaped on my '63 type I...

This was the first break since 2001, so I think it was just time for the old cable to go.