?throttle control cables

[Jim Rosenthal]

I have to measure and decide on something to install in my GT40 for a throttle control cable. The questions are:
-what brand? (Cablecraft are recommended by Carroll Smith)
-pull-only or push-pull? (the difference is that a single-wire cable won't push- I'm not used to those as in marine use the cables are always push-pull or Morse style cables, which are what I am familiar with)
-end terminations? (clevises seem more advisable than Heim joints, from what I can tell)

I wasn't able to figure this out by looking at the Marriott car, partly because I wasn't looking for exactly that information and partly because I was not able to see what they used later on when I examined the photos that I took. I'm far more interested in function than originality, so any advice that fellow GT40 forum members can provide about what has worked for them in the past would be quite welcome indeed.
The pedal box assembly of 1149 has a place to secure the sheath of a throttle cable. I will need to fabricate something on the carburetor end- and do it all over again when I switch to Webers later on when the car is actually running. Fun, fun, fun.

 

[David Morton]

Hugh Absolom at
Spot-on-Control Cables,
Wokingham, England.
Tel +44 1189737973
[email protected]

Usually brilliant, but invariably better than that. Sends worldwide.
He did my throttle cable (Webers), Handbrake cables, and
Electical Isolation (Pull to Off)

 

[Chuck]

Jim:

FWIW we used a nine foot Lokar with the Webers. The standard connections were fully compatible with the carb linkage and pedal assembly.

But with a thousand miles on the car I am not sure this was the best way to go. There seem to be a bit of resistance in the cable that is noticeable when trying to make slight changes in the the throttle position. It is a bit 'sticky' at times. May look around for something a bit more substantial.

The Lokar is a simple pull only cable.

I will watch this thread to see what you come up with . . . . .

Chuck

 

[Phil]

Jim:
I always use a marine grade cable, stainless with a teflon liner. They come in various diameters, but the allowable bend radius increases with cable size so I usually use a cable with 10/32 ends which is very flexible and can go tight radii without problems. I have used these cables in both push and pull modes and they are so smooth that generally a very light return spring is all that is needed. Also the teflon cable has very little sticktion and initial throttle movement is easy, and controllable.
I use a piece of clear 3/8 plastic tubing with 1 foot marks to setup the cable routing, and simply measure off that and order a cable.
I get my cables locally, but there are a lot of good units out there. Use a good quality cable and it will last a long time without issues.
The mounts can be a clamp type or threaded body which I prefer because there is some adjustment on mounting.
One last point is the good cables have a sealed end that has a few degrees of articulation that you will need as your linkages swing thru their respective arcs otherwise binding can occur.
Hope some of this helps
Cheers
Phil

 

[Howard Jones]

Ditto Phil. Light airplane or hang-glider supply companies sell really good push pull cables also. How about Aircraft Spruce. Pilot Supplies, Avionics, and Homebuilt Aircraft Parts from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.

Found them here.http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/a950.php

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Thanks to all. ACS has them, I will measure tomorrow and get it ordered.

 

[Dutton]

Jim,

I have a Kinsler push-pull cable on mine. Might be worth a look...

Kinsler

 

[Brian Kissel]

I have used this place with great sucess. YOU custom design whatever YOU want, and they build it. I have used them 6 times if I remember correctly. Each time was exactly what I designed.

Virtual LinkageTM from Midwest Control Products

Kindest Regards
Brian

 

[Frank Catt]

I use Tuthill Controls ( US company ) for throttle cables, Frank

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Brian, the Midwest Control Cable link is amazing. Thanks so much. These guys really make it easy to design what you need. From all the cables they offer, any recommendations on a throttle control cable? I designed it using their economy 30 series but I haven't ordered it yet.

 

[Brian Kissel]

Hello Jim !!
I'm glad you liked the site. I have used the 30 series when there was going to be some tight raduis's. Otherwise I like the hi-eff 40 series. Like I said whatever I got from them was extremely well built.

Kindest Regards Brian

 

[EGLITOM]

We used successfully SHIMANO bicycle gear change cable. They go ver smooth, they are non stretching at all and available from the role with custom made ends

TOM

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

I got a calbe made up by Midwest Control Products. Their service is excellent. The cable seems a bit stiff; we'll see how it does. Other than having to file the clevis on the pedal end, it fits well. I am looking at throttle cable brackets- there are a few in Jeg's catalog which I think will get us up and running. I wish it slid a bit easier but I think some robust return springs will take care of that. Thanks all for the help.