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Simple snapped cable end repair for C8 convertible
A simple repair of the folding trim cable that snaps off of the retainer.
Open top halfway and hold trim down with zuptie.
Pull cables to max length
Remove the broken cable token, the little round piece that the cable snapped out of
Install medium washer over end of cable.
Install smaller washer over end of cable.
Put small C clip into pliers and crimp C clip close to the button at the end of the cable.
Reinsert cable into slot on tension box.
Cut zip tie.
That's it. You can use the top until your dealer gets you a new cable...or save the 300 to buy it.
If outside of warranty, I presume one could also crimp on a permanent ferrule on the end of the cable? No way I would ever pay $300 for a simple cable.
If outside of warranty, I presume one could also crimp on a permanent ferrule on the end of the cable? No way I would ever pay $300 for a simple cable.
Having just had this repaired (under warranty) they replace the whole bracket, not just the cable (or they did in my case anyway) which is probably why it’s so expensive. Thanks OP for the post!
If outside of warranty, I presume one could also crimp on a permanent ferrule on the end of the cable? No way I would ever pay $300 for a simple cable.
That would work. The little token the cable sits in is junk. I'm sure the other side will snap soon. Lol
If the swaged fitting on the factory assembly doesn't hold, I have my doubts a c-clip is going to last very long either. But it's worth a try given how expensive the replacement part is.
If the swaged fitting on the factory assembly doesn't hold, I have my doubts a c-clip is going to last very long either. But it's worth a try given how expensive the replacement part is.
The factory assembly is a tiny token with a hole drilled halfway through and they soldered or melted the end of the cable into it. I can see where the thin outer edge of the opening just broke. I could add a dab of solder to the cable to fatten it up. Or, take a SS washer, ID same as cable OD, cut a slice into the washer, insert and crimp? Then solder the whole thing together?
I use C clips on 5th scale RC cars all the time. They hold pretty well.
I'm surprised. I would have bet the fitting was swaged. That's a really cheap-*** way of building it.
How do you think these things have gotten so expensive ... oh, wait .. cheap azz parts paying WAY too much for and then passing along the over charging to us the consumers ... GM ... amazing
Old fitting. The cable end is "soldered" into this hole
I believe the ferrule is actually cast in place. The reason it fails might because of poor quality control on the heat applied during the casting process causing a brittle heat affected zone on the cable.
Any home repair would be equal to, or better, than the original construction. If it happens to me, I'll simply braze a washer onto the cable.
OP's method with a ball of JB weld encapsulating the fix would last until the actual cable snaps. You just need to have enough of the cable to form a knot the weld can hold on to. If I ever have this issue out of warranty that'd be my attack plan.
Simple snapped cable end repair for C8 convertible
Any home repair would be equal to, or better, than the original construction. If it happens to me, I'll simply braze a washer onto the cable.
