Clutch Cable lengths

[ThomasD]

A quick search on Ebay brought up this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLUTCH-CABLE- ... 19e07d7120

Shows length as 1487mm, near as damn it!

I just replaced the clutch cable on my Scirocco and, thanks to Ian, I had ordered the FKC1236 one. It was exactly the same length as the one in car, and 1-2" longer than 172-721-335H cable, which three different sources (First Line, a VW main dealer, and GEMO themselves!) told me was correct for the car. The FKC1236 was a GEMO cable, part number 434 930.

Lesson? Believe your fellow Scirocco owners

[StormRunner]

So I've been trying to find some 1490mm DX cables to buy for a while with no luck. Had a couple on backorder last year for-fackin-ever, and they finally went dead.

By all indications (including their webcat) First Line had quit making the FKC1236.

Was the question ever answered, whether the '86-up 1660mm cable works well in place of the 1490mm?
Is the extra length a blessing or a curse?
Is everything the same except for the length?
Any thoughts as to why they made a later style that was so much longer?



-SR

[ThomasD]

I'm not sure about why the newer cars have longer cables, and whether that is good or bad or a don't care on the older models. But you're right- the First Line FKC1236 cables aren't available anymore.

The VW part number is 532721335J for the 1490mm cable, so include that in your search. I did find one on eBay just now here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clutch-cable-GT ... 1311390513

You might try them.

VW Heritage was willing to contact GEMO to have them make up a batch of Mk2 Scirocco speedo cables. Perhaps they'd do the same thing for clutch cables, although be prepared to wait around 6 months as GEMO can be slow.

Good luck with the search!
Tom

[GTXTRA]

I'm waiting for news from heritage re the clutch cables.

[mark1gls]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clutch-cable-GT ... 1311390513

£50 for a clutch cable has the world gone mad!

[ThomasD]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clutch-cable-GT ... 1311390513

£50 for a clutch cable has the world gone mad!

Yes - expensive - even for VW cables which were always more than aftermarket, even if the aftermarket ones were identical.
VW Heritage's price is the same for their '86 and newer Scirocco clutch cable according to their website.
Supply and demand I guess...

[Retro Llarma]

any one know if the 1490 will fit a mk1 scirocco i have the exact same issue with my 1.6 injection :( thinking off going for the 1600 cable? ty

[mark1gls]

Found a first line FKC 1236 as mentioned above for £8.00 on Amazon be quick as only 1 left!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Line-FKC1 ... B00GSQWBFC

[DT1]

Found a first line FKC 1236 as mentioned above for £8.00 on Amazon be quick as only 1 left!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Line-FKC1 ... B00GSQWBFC

He's listed the wrong part number...I asked.

It's a QCC1236.

[StormRunner]

I'm not sure about why the newer cars have longer cables, and whether that is good or bad or a don't care on the older models. But you're right- the First Line FKC1236 cables aren't available anymore.

The VW part number is 532721335J for the 1490mm cable, so include that in your search. I did find one on eBay just now here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clutch-cable-GT ... 1311390513

You might try them.

VW Heritage was willing to contact GEMO to have them make up a batch of Mk2 Scirocco speedo cables. Perhaps they'd do the same thing for clutch cables, although be prepared to wait around 6 months as GEMO can be slow.

Good luck with the search!
Tom

Thanks Tom! I ended up spending the extra cash for one of the NOS VW ones off of eBay (last one they had I think).
That takes care of one, but I wouldn't mind hoarding another away for a rainy day. I can wait however long.
If you or anyone learns of any new sources or group buys for a custom GEMO run, please keep me in mind.
-SR

[mark1gls]

You should not need another for a very long time if you route yours properly and keep an eye on the bulk head for cracks etc so it does not cut into the cable, also make sure at the gearbox end the cable goes straight through the housing and you have the rubber bung in place so the metal casing of the gearbox does not cut through the cable. A good dose of 3 in 1 oil poured down the cable while holding it up in the air so it starts to come out of the end will help with keeping the cable running smoothly. I changed my cable on my daily drive Mk1 Golf 15 years ago and Its still in good condition so your new VW one should last for many years.

[StormRunner]

Okay, thanks for the tips Mark. I would probably use silicone lube, but same idea.
The bulkhead apparently cracked and was repaired under previous ownership (not very aesthically, I might add), which I've always been a little suspicious of. So I will be taking a closer look at all of that once I get things apart. My current cable seems fine (no dragging/fraying) though, just if I'm going to restore this thing I'd like a nice fresh new one.