Super Beetle trunk cable broke

2niner7 · Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 9:55 am Post subject: Super Beetle trunk cable broke

The release cable in my 79 Super Beetle Convertible has broken. Is there another method to release the latch? I have access to the spare tire well, but can't push the tire far enough away to access the internal latch in an attempt to release.
Will I need to drill out the button on the hood latch?
Is the cable easy to replace? Do I need to attach the glove box handle portion of the cable end thru access to the dash from the trunk side?
Thanks! Question

mondshine · Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 11:30 am Post subject:

The Robert Bentley manual covers this. If you don't have one, and it's a handy thing to have, I'll post it later.
It requires cutting the outside handle and replacing it with a new one.
Good luck, Mondshine

OK, here it is:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Be careful!
Use something to protect the paint from a misguided hack.

2niner7

Thank you for the info! I have cut off the handle but it did not release the lock. The button is still in place. Any thoughts from here?
I need to get that book!

flyboat · Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject:

Notice the cut line right next to the button. It has to be cut there so the part next to the button can be rotated to release the bolt holding the inner metal parts. This will allow you to raise the hood. The button portion can stay in place. It may be required to press the button as you lift the hood.
_________________
79 super Vert
62 Ragtop Bug
66 tintop Westy
Porsche 914
09 Z06 Vette track car

julrich366 · Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 6:10 pm Post subject:

For the piece with only the button left, did you spin it counterclockwise then to release the bolt/plunger from the inside? You may have to use something to keep some pressure so it doesn't just spin with the knob piece.
_________________
- John
'74 Vert ..lot's to still do.

Fe2O3 · Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 7:58 am Post subject:

My latch irritates me to the point I've decided to run a heavier cable and mount a pull ring somewhere above the kickplate area.
_________________
74 Beetle

2niner7 · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 2:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all of the input. I have tried these things and during these processes, now have the button broken off to no avail.
Does anyone have any additional thoughts? Again the release cable is broken and now without the push button, (its assembly is still intact) I am concerned about the possibilities lessening. Sad

BrainFartHeadache · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 6:53 pm Post subject:

If you can get the button pushed in and the same time grab the nose of the hood and wiggle side to side and pulling up, (you have to be a little rough) you may be able to pop the latch. I don't know how different our latch mechanism is if any from my 68, but you can't pop it by pulling just straight up, wiggling it can work the pin out . At least it does on mine so its worth a try.
_________________
Every time i do this.....THAT happens!

68 beetle

maximus_73 · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 7:49 pm Post subject:

might need a new glove box soon sounds like

Vails74beetle · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 8:12 pm Post subject:

My hood locked shut so after I cut the handle off, removed the glove box in pieces, I found the the PO relocated to nob on the dash labeled heat.

igene · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:13 pm Post subject:

Folks, I'm reading these horror stories about cutting the latch and destroying the hood...it kills me to hear it.
Especially since I came up with a non-destructive solution.

My story & solution >
My '72 SB cable release system needed to be replaced.
I disassembled the old one from the latch, and accidentally closed the hood.
I went online and read all this about cutting and said
- NO WAY AM I DOING THAT !
after thinking and trying different stuff - I found a solution.

Take out the radio. get a 1/2" steel or alum. pipe about 6' long.
and a bright focus beam flashlight.
Stick the pipe thru the radio hole, light up the latch area.
It's a clean shot to the latch from here.
Place the end of the pipe to the left of the lever mechanism.
Use the radio hole to leverage the pipe and push the end in the direction the cable would pull.
POP - it's open.

NO CUTTING

It did take me 20 min's to push everything out of the way so I had a clear shot to the latch.

I feel bad for those who have cut their dubs Sad

I hope this changes the way folks deal with this problem.

PASS IT ON.

VeedubPastor · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject:

Couldn't do that on my bug. The airbox is in the way.
_________________
1971 Super Beetle - Daily Driver
Solex H30/31 & 034 distributor (yeah, I know)
Stock thermostat & flaps
Stock air cleaner and emissions equipment

igene · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:24 pm Post subject:

what about thru the speaker hole left of the speedo.
it would work the same way.

VeedubPastor · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:28 pm Post subject:

igene · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:53 pm Post subject:

hint - prepare for that possibility.
I had my SB about a week when it happened.

Make provisions in that area so in case it happens - you can fix it
without damaging anything.

just sayin' Rolling Eyes

Robert A · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:51 pm Post subject:

Is there a way to open a hood that is stuck and the cable is NOT broken...Yet...? Laughing

Mine is half latched if you know what I mean. The hood will pull away as if it is letting go of the latch but it does not open.

Any hints there...?

Don't mean to hijack the thread, I can post another...

Thanks,
Rob

Robert A · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:57 pm Post subject:

justaguy · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 3:28 pm Post subject:

If you look at the OP's origianl post you will note that he/she has a 79 super convertible. There is no access poing from the interior of the car to the trunk area. It is all solid metal with the exception of a few very small holes to run wires through.

One option that has yet to be mentioned is to remove the front lower frame bracket (covers the shift rod hole under the nose of the car). This is held on by 6 or 8 bolts (13mm wrench). I broke a couple in the process of removal so use some PB blaster or whatever to make sure they are lubed (not difficult to drill out and retap if they do break though).

Once you get this removed you can look up and see the access plate that is under the front of the spare tire. It isn't easy but you can remove that plate and push up the spare and access the release from there. I have seen and heard it done before. REALLY easy if your spare isn't currently there. After you are done just seal the plate back in place (Seam sealer is the correct method) and bolt on the front frame piece and you are golden.

Hope this helps. This is also the most non-destructive way as well.

Also just to note, if you are getting the Bently (I also reccommend it) you will need the orange one. It is correct for your year.

Joel · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 3:33 pm Post subject:

Igene, your method would only work in a superbeetle.
Standard beetles have the apron alot lower than the fuel tank and not to mention the spare tyre in the way.

Also the latching mechanism is tucked right under the apron lip so unless your apron has been cut down to expose the mechanism to unlock it I doubt yours was locked, just caught up.

Not having a go at your method, I'm all for less destructive ways, I just can imagine people having a go and getting the shits cos it;s not possible to access the latch that way/

I had to get the hood open on a freinds super that had snapped the cable and it was a fresh paint job in a custom one off mixed colour so cutting the latch wasnt an option.

I removed the deformation plate underneath and came up through that big inspection plate under the spare tyre with a block of wood in there to hold the tyre up.

Has anyone ever tried the cutting handle method?
I still don't believe it would work.

You need to hold the bolt heads on the inside still in order to undo the pieces of handle.
They will just spin otherwise not undoing anything.
_________________
Quick little bug, you got a Porsche motor in that?
1974 Germanlook 1303 2.5 Suba-Beetle

justaguy · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 3:36 pm Post subject:

That's the name I was looking for, Deformation Plate. Also Joel as I mentioned The above mentioned method would not work in a Super either due to the fact that if you have ever had a super dash out you will note it is solid behind. It doesn't have holes to the trunk like a standard, not even behind the glove box, so if you cut up your glove vbox thinking this will work, it will be a waste of time...and a glovebox.


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