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Inexpensive rear deck lid cable fix..."bubba fix"??
Hey guys, I'm sure some will consider this a "Bubba" fix, but I'm gonna share it anyway.
I went to a Cruise-In in this past weekend and I opened my rear deck lid and heard a snap and sure enough the passenger side deck lid cable broke (not the cable that releases the top, but the cable that releases the latches of the deck lid itself). These cables are simply just a thin solid rod that runs through a protective sleeve and is bent at the end. Online it looks like I could get a new set for $30+shipping, so prob about $40-45. But while looking at it a buddy of mine (who plays guitar) said, a couple of bass guitar strings would work great for that (bass because they are thicker than a standard 6 string). guitar strings are under constant tremendous tension, so shouldn't have any issue with the occasional tension when opening the lid.
So I called up my local guitar repair shop and picked up a setup of used bass strings for free (they are throwing them out daily) and I have to say not only did it work great, the release works a lot smother than the solid cable. I had to add a little washer at the latch end as the bass string end wasn't quite large enough but other than that it was plug an play. In addition because they still run through the factory sleeve, nobody would know. The strings are nickle plated I believe, so I think they will hold up, but I'll keep my eye on them for durability - but fully expect many years without trouble. btw, its an easy fix (30 min total for both sides).
Some pics... Guitar strings running through the sleeves to the handle before trimming them (left and right) Guitar String vs Original solid cable washer added to the end
Inexpensive rear deck lid cable fix..."bubba fix"??
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