clutch cable

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 3:42 am

Hi all,
A question about clutch cables.I put a
beetle cable on my 1974 Thing and now the
clutch engages when the pedal is almost up.
I'm not sure what the length is but I've
read that it should be 2281mm, can anyone
help me out.

BobMiller · Post by **BobMiller** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 8:39 am

Waynek
The p/n 111-721-335 C (Clutch Cable, 2281mm)indicates that it is a Beetle part and standard Beetle cables are what I have used.

I have heard this question in the past, but it was usually because the clutch wouldn't release at all. Your problem sounds like the opposite.

------------------
1966 MANX SR2 (Karma Coachworks), 1974 VW THING

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 10:52 am

Wayne, the Thing uses the bug clutch components from pedal cluster to pressure plate. You have done the correct swap. Why might I ask did you need to swap cables? Have you looked closely at the boden tube. It is very common for the boden tube and the clutch cable to damage each other. When one goes bad it frequently damages the other.
Your description of the clutch engaging at the top sounds norman to me. The clutch is adjusted for 25mm(about an inch) of free play. You should be able to depress the pedal by hand about an inch before it firms up and begins to exert force on the pressure plate.
Now that you know you have the right cable(did you do a side to side comparison of lengths) Sometimes the parts suppiler can be in error and slip you a wrong part. If the cable is right and we will assume that it is, then check the boden (German word for bow or curved) tube and clutch adjustment. Keep us posted.
I just went back and reread your post. Sorry for a lot of talk about nothing. Just adjust the wing nut some more til you get the one inch of free play at the top. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 02-09-2003).]

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 5:33 pm

Bob & Bob,
Thanks for the replies,I'm quite sure
the cable I put on was the 335C,it was
originally purchased for my 67 Bug.
The cable was coming apart when I got
the car and I had to cut it to remove plus
the tube was plugged so I replaced it.
I admit I never thought of measuring the cable, but I will have a new ordered this
week.
The clutch itself was working properly
until I replaced cable and tube,that's
the reason for my query.
On another note, I just finished
replacing the center beam with a beetle
one, and to be honest, I do not like a
lower front end.This gives me the incentive
to repair the proper one asap.
Thanks for the feedback guys.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 7:56 pm

There is a 2281mm hd cluch cable that is offered on ebay for $11. It is more standed and better than stock. Like Bob said take a measure and replace the bowden tube. A cheep fix for a sad problemo, K-mann

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 8:02 pm

I just realized the problemo. Dudes in 73 the Thing had the (common) clutch cable (2281mm) Like many quirks in the late 74 Thing it went to a 2270 mm clutch cable. I bet he is runnning the long cable and hence the late engagement. Check out page 68 item 14 on the VW interface of various models. More later, RW

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 8:09 pm

The 73 Thing clutch cable has a parts # 111 721 335C measuring 2281 mm or 89 13/16" The 74 has a parts number 111 721 335E at 2270mm or 89 3/8" a differnece of 7/16" which would account for the late engagement. K-mann