Clutch Cable, for Beetle 62-71, Ghia 62-71 2260mm

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the mechanical heart of your air-cooled classic, the connection between your left foot and the pressure plate is one of the most vital links in the entire drivetrain. This premium 2260mm clutch cable is engineered to restore the smooth, predictable pedal response that your Volkswagen had when it first rolled off the assembly line. Over decades of use, original cables suffer from "cable stretch," where the internal steel strands begin to fatigue and elongate, leading to a "mushy" pedal feel and difficulty shifting into gear. Worse yet, old cables are prone to fraying inside the Bowden tube, which eventually leads to a total snap at the most inconvenient moment. Replacing your cable with this high-tensile, multi-strand steel unit is the best insurance policy against being stranded on the side of the road with a dead pedal.

At Appletree Auto, we know that precision matters for the vintage VW enthusiast. This specific 2260mm (approximately 89 inches) cable is designed with the correct hook-end geometry to seat perfectly into the pedal cluster assembly and features a robust threaded end to accommodate your clutch wing nut with ease. Whether you are performing a ground-up restoration on a 1966 Beetle or just keeping your daily driver 1971 Ghia on the road, this cable provides the durability and reliability you demand. It is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring that the tension and throw are exactly where they need to be for crisp gear engagement and long-term performance. Don''t wait for your current cable to fail; upgrading to a fresh, lubricated cable will instantly transform your driving experience and protect your synchronizers from the wear caused by an improperly disengaging clutch.

FITMENT

This clutch cable is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Coupe & Convertible): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style shells based on 1962-1971 pans (Note: Shortening kit Part # AC721105 is required for buggy applications to adjust for shortened chassis lengths).

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the 113-721-335A clutch cable:

• OEM Part Number Reference: 113-721-335A.
• Total Cable Length: 2260mm (88.97 inches).
• Material: High-tensile, multi-strand galvanized steel for maximum snap resistance.
• Forward Connector: Heavy-duty forged hook end for secure pedal cluster attachment.
• Rear Connector: Threaded steel rod end for fine-tuning clutch free-play.
• Coating: Corrosion-resistant zinc plating to prevent rust inside the guide tube.
• Weight: Approximately 0.33 lbs.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Proper Lubrication is Non-Negotiable

Before you slide this new cable into the chassis, you must lubricate it thoroughly. We recommend using a high-quality Moly-grease or a heavy-duty lithium grease. Apply a generous coat along the entire length of the cable as you feed it into the guide tube from the pedal cluster. A dry cable will create internal friction against the metal guide tube, leading to a "heavy" pedal feel and premature sawing through the cable strands. A well-greased cable can last for decades, whereas a dry one may fail within a few thousand miles.

Tip 2: Inspect the Bowden Tube Sag

The Bowden tube (the flexible guide tube between the chassis and the transmission) is critical for smooth clutch operation. When installing your new cable, ensure the Bowden tube has the proper "sag" or curve. This curve acts as a tensioner that compensates for engine movement. If the tube is too straight, you will experience "clutch chatter" when pulling away from a stop. Most specialists recommend a sag of about 1 inch to 1.5 inches (25mm to 38mm) to ensure the cable operates without binding or vibrating under load.

Tip 3: Dialing in the Pedal Free-Play

Once the cable is installed and connected to the release lever at the transaxle, don''t tighten the wing nut until the pedal is rock hard. You must maintain approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch (13mm to 20mm) of "free-play" at the top of the pedal stroke. If the cable is too tight, the throw-out bearing will constantly ride against the pressure plate, leading to rapid bearing failure and potential clutch slipping. Check this adjustment again after the first 100 miles, as new cables will undergo an initial "stretch" or "set" period after their first few dozen cycles.