TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Jan 20, 2018 1:05 pm

Any of you who have read any of my posts know that the wife and I like to travel the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia. Places like Cass Scenic Railroad
or view the valleys from the Blue Ridge Parkway
. Well, that means we're away from Elwood's garage and a lot of my tools. What tools we carry are in the trunk.

Now, I know that most of you have read 'horror stories' about what happens if the original trunk release cable breaks. I know I have and, perhaps it's because I'm old, I worry about this happening when we're on the road. Well, here's what I did to help me get over my paranoia.

I started with a piece of 3/32 inch stainless steel cable and ran it through an existing hole in the latch, made a loop and cinched it with a crimp fitting
.

Then, I drilled a 1/8 inch hole about 1 1/2 inches below the second bolt up that attaches the passenger front fender to the body. That little piece of tape just keeps the cable from 'flopping around'.

Under the fender, I made another loop and cinched it with a crimp fitting.

Now, all I have to do, if the main cable breaks, is reach under the passenger side front fender and pull the loop.

This arrangement, in no way, affects the normal operation of the existing cable with the release in the glove box. I've tried it several times.

Now, I hope I never have to use this new cable but I feel a whole lot better knowing I can get into my trunk even if the 48 year old factory one breaks.

By the by, this took about an hour to install.

Well, if any of you suffer from my same paranoia, maybe this will help you sleep better.

Wishing you all a good day. :lol:

mort

Sat Jan 20, 2018 1:36 pm

Great pics. My goal this year is to take my 74 onto Skyline Drive in Virginia.

Simple idea with the trunk release too.

Sat Jan 20, 2018 2:09 pm

Clean and simple. Thanks Mort. :)

Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:38 pm

Great idea. Thanks

Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:13 pm

It would be easier to remove the original cable and oil it every 5 years and not worry about it instead of waiting for it to fail. Just what I do.

Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:18 pm

all the oil in the world won't help if the plastic tube breaks

Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:30 pm

Nice Vdub. Does the rain drip on the window really work??

Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:52 pm

NevadaVandal wrote: Nice Vdub. Does the rain drip on the window really work??

If you're asking about the 'drip guards' over the door windows, yes. I smoke a pipe and, with the window down about an inch, it draws the smoke out so my wife doesn't have to breathe it even if it's raining.

mort

Sun Jan 21, 2018 12:21 am

Looks like it would do the trick.

It’s apparent that the stock cables did/do break, or Bentley never would have added a section on sawing the handle in three parts, etc. So why not be prepared?

Tim

Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:23 am

I did similar last year on my 1970. Or my 1971 Super. Or both, can't remember.

Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:28 am

On the 914, if locked out of front trunk, remove the bumper to gain access to the latch.

I like your idea of the emergency pull wire

Keep a Buggin.

PS nice train/Bug photograph!

Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:39 am

Cusser wrote: I did similar last year on my 1970. Or my 1971 Super. Or both, can't remember.

It's really tough getting old..........just wait another 10 or 15 years.....it don't get no better. #-o

mort

Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:44 am

volksworld wrote: all the oil in the world won't help if the plastic tube breaks

What does the plastic tube breaking have to do with the lock release not working??? If you notice the plastic tube breaking you replace the tube or cable BEFORE the steel cable breaks, that's why you service it so you can keep track of it condition.

Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:56 am

Starbucket wrote: volksworld wrote: all the oil in the world won't help if the plastic tube breaks

What does the plastic tube breaking have to do with the lock release not working??? If you notice the plastic tube breaking you replace the tube or cable BEFORE the steel cable breaks, that's why you service it so you can keep track of it condition.

if the tubing fails, you may still be able to open the trunk, although you may have to pull the cable out further than normal to do so. of course the cable may be prone to get caught on something if it comes out of a failed tube.

but you are correct, loss of the plastic tube along should not prevent trunk opening.

at least you later model Bug owners can access the fuel filler without opening the trunk., stuck trunk can lead to a no go situation in an early Bug.

Good Luck, Bug On!

Sun Jan 21, 2018 11:20 am

Plastic tubing can be purchased by the foot at Ace Hardware.

Sun Jan 21, 2018 3:17 pm

Very nice. You used the same cable I use for throttle cables.

Max

Sun Jan 21, 2018 4:13 pm

I did a very similar second release even though I basically have a "new" bug. Just peace of mind whether I ever need it or not.

Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:45 pm

Looks good Mort! Very simple solution.

One humble addition to the design: a rubber grommet or dab of silicone at the new drilled hole. To help protect that bare metal from the elements.

I'd just hate to see Elwood with unnecessary rust bubbles popping up.

Mon Jan 22, 2018 8:25 am

AlmostHeavenWV_VW wrote: Looks good Mort! Very simple solution.

One humble addition to the design: a rubber grommet or dab of silicone at the new drilled hole. To help protect that bare metal from the elements.

I'd just hate to see Elwood with unnecessary rust bubbles popping up.

Already done that.....just forgot to mention it in the original write up but thanks for the reminder.

Well, there's been over 500 viewings of the thread so, if only one or two get out of trouble with my suggestion, that will be some 'pay back' for all the help the folks on here have given Elwood and me over the years.

Thanks to all,

mort

Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:17 pm

Just might prevent this happening....! I think they misunderstood the remedial method of cutting the handle. :shock: