'63-66 left kickpad vent cable install (shorten ?)

[Wayne M.]

I notice (once again ) that installing this cable from the vent plenum door to the mounting holes under the dash (just to the left of the steering column escutcheon) is a royal PITA. It is so long that you have to apply excessive force to bend it into an S-curve, and the bracket that screws to the under edge of the dash is under considerable side and moment forces. Also, where the cable adjust/anchor clamp screws to the tab on the black plastic vent grille is subject to breakage due to the angles and force. Then, for the cherry on the sundae, the excessive cable arc comes in contact with the clutch pedal assembly in its full up position (against its bumper).

Why did the General design this cable so long ? Checked the P&A30B Gr 9.787 and it states OL at 22_1/8" [from end of plastic knob to end of looped wire that slips over the post on the plenum door]. Measured mine and it's OL is 1 inch longer; measured another I have at 1_1/8" longer (both factory originals).

If it was 2 or even 3" shorter OL, it would install and function better, IMO. Been toying with the idea of modifying it myself (relocate the clamp to the plastic grille, cut off existing wire loop and make another at proper location for full open/close operation. You could still have the vent cable and parking brake cable cross at 90 degrees with the retaining clip.

This is not an issue on air cars, as the LH kickpad is controlled by a longer cable located to the right of the steering column, with lots of slack loop.

Anybody have any ideas on installation or mod's ?

[Rich P.]

Re: '63-66 left kickpad vent cable install (shorten ?)

Wayne,

I have shortend cables in the past, not too hard to do. The toughest part is rebending the end loop. it is best to leave the wire long so ypo can grab the end with a pair of pliers and wrap the wire around a punch that is the same diamiter as the pin on the vent door. The metal bracket on the end of the cable can be pryed open and repositioned after you cut the plastic housing.

Rich

[Wayne M.]

Re: '63-66 left kickpad vent cable install (shorten ?)

....I have shortend cables in the past, not too hard to do. The toughest part is rebending the end loop. it is best to leave the wire long so ypo can grab the end with a pair of pliers and wrap the wire around a punch that is the same diamiter as the pin on the vent door. The metal bracket on the end of the cable can be pryed open and repositioned after you cut the plastic housing.....

Thanks for the tips, Rich; and for confirmation that others have done this operation.

[Stuart F.]

Re: '63-66 left kickpad vent cable install (shorten ?)

Good information. I have a similar problem, only for a different reason. A long time ago, I bought me some kick panel speakers made by Custom Autosound. I painted the plastic panels real nice with dark blue dye to match my interior trim and was about to install them before rewiring my Stereo system speakers, but I'll be darned if I could figure out how I was going to get around that vent cable. If anything, mine is too short and would require I notch the new plastic kick panel, and even then it would come close to interfering with the speaker. So, I put off the project for another day - that was about 6 years ago and that day hasn't come yet. Now, however, your ideas may cause me to take another look at it. I really think I need those speakers up front for those top down highway drives. My rear speakers just don't cut it.

Stu Fox