Vent control cable-'55 model

40cpe

40cpe

Well-known member
The long right side vent control cable on the '55 passenger car is covered a vinyl/rubber covering except for a couple of inches on each end. Mine is extremely hard to operate from the little lever on the heater control panel. The covering prevents lubricating the length of the cable. Has anyone been successful in getting these cables freed up? I thought about notching the covering in a couple of places and spray penetrating oil hoping it would migrate up/down the cable but would rather not if there is another way. Thanks for any suggestions.
 
I'm trying to avoid removing it from the dash end. It has a hang-on AC unit and an aftermarket wiring bundle that will make it extremely hard to get to. I have the other end disconnected and pointing up. Every time I get close to it I squirt it again with Kroil.
 
I had one once that I got a piece of hose over the end and clamped it off to the jacket. Filled it with probably light oil (it was years ago) and gave it a couple light shots of air pressure. Wiggle and repeat. If it works, you'll need to catch the oil before it runs out and onto the carpet, and if the covering is cracked or you blow it open, you'll get oil there too. Maybe a more modern lube would be better.
 
Got it freed up similar to miker and Frank's suggestions. I used a spark plug boot with a snug fitting hose stuck in it. Poured a couple of ounces of 50/50 lacquer thinner and transmission fluid through it and it started working pretty good. I'm letting it sit over night with straight transmission oil.
 

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What a great idea. I should have thought of that, I had a bunch of boots sitting around. It was so long ago I'd replaced them with rajah clips. Makes me think of some other like items I have around, and little use for at 67 years old.
 
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