source for Bowden cables

[Mike M.]

want to replace the cable housings on the heater and windshield wiper cable actuators on our 57 vette.anybody had any luck finding a source? google struck out. thanks, mike

[Kent K.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Mike,

When I looked for something to replace the twin hood pulls and choke cables on my early '54, I found some very similar cables in auto parts stores. Of course I would have had to assemble something to work for the Vette. Take a look at the carded and assorted items ... there may be something extremely close.

Kent #6201

[Mike M.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

kent: you are correct in that generic bowdens from NAPA etc will do for the heater cables(on our 57) but the wiper activator cable is about half the od as the napa generic throttle cables and half the original 57 heater cables. guess what i'm searching for at this point is the small diameter bowden for the wipers. thanks, mike

[Kent K.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

OK then let try some of the model supply houses for radio control airplanes, boats, etc. They may have smaller OD cables. R C World Ltd ( www.rcworld.co.uk/acatalog ) lists cables in metric sizes (1.5mm inner cable with 4mm outer), etc. 247 Models Co ( www.247models.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/2316?osCsid=22a576dc62856b8e7117fafdedf41558 ) look like they have bulk bowden cable but are not currently taking orders.

Or, look into the air conditioning and mechanical building trades ... they use bowden cables for balancing air supply systems that are mounted above inaccessible ceilings. Lashley & Associates, Inc. ( www.lashleyinc.com/catalog ).

All I did for these reminders was type BOWDEN CABLE in the "exact phrase" blank in google.

Happy huntin,
Kent #6201

[Mike M.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

thanks kent. tried the model airplane site without success. will try the Lashley folks. mike

[Wayne W.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Mike, There is a guy in Md. that makes controls for the old chevrolets. Will they work? His name is Tom Maxwell Gaithersburg. I got some cable for the `33 Cadi. from him. They are made out of SS and may not be exactly the same size, but close.

[Geoff C.]

[Frank C.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Mike...keep in mind piano stores. I was repairing a bowden wire in the motor home and needed to replace only the wire, so I went a local piano store to buy some wire and not only came home with the wire but also the little tool with the hole in it to make the eye in the end!!! THE COST..."NADA"

[Geoff C.]

Frank post a picture of that tool, please if u can *NM*

[Eugene B.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Mike,
Wouldn't this cable be the same (or close enough) to the old manual choke operating cables? Although with carburators being things of the past, maybe these cables no longer exist at auto parts stores.

Good luck,
Gene

[Mike M.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

gene: the old choke/throttle cables(pre 1950 chevys) are the same as the heater cables on the 57 vette but they are way too big to serve as replacement cable for the wiper motor cable. thanks, mike

[Kent K.]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Mike, try this URL. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/...olattchmt.html
Their cable is 7/32" outside diameter and .078 inside diameter.
Hope this works. Kent #6201

[Frank C.]

Re: Frank post a picture of that tool, please if u

Geoffrey...I have everything I need to post pictures "EXCEPT" the knowledge. I'll try to describe it for you. It's about 1/4" in dia. and about 2" long. One end is squared for like a small crescent wrench and the other end has a slight taper and then there is a small hole in about the middle to insert the wire. IIRC I took about 2 or 2 1/2 turns. You have to cut the tail to remove the tool...Regards Frank

[Doug Flaten]

Re: source for Bowden cables

Old Harley's use a bowden cable on the internal spiral handlebar controls for the throttle and ignition advance. Harley Dealers and aftermarket suppliers can still get them or stock some. They also sell the wire separately.
Doug