I found the best way to deal with the push-pull cables cables on our Z's is to remove:

1. the inner steel cable from the sheath/casing
2. wash the inner steel cable
3. wipe the inner steel cable with a scotch brite pad
4. lubricate the inner steel cable
5. use penetrating oil in can and flush the sheath using a straw attachment (there are better methods in the posts below).

The results are very nice.

Heater Control and Side Vent cables:

Depending on the type, you can often remove the plastic sheath/casing. In my experience, some of the metal cable gets crusty and/ or very sticky over the years. A wipe with a solvent and a scotch brite pad will bring them back to a smooth new finish. Flushing the sheath with a solvent then following up with lithium grease and reassembling does a nice job. Lube the heater and vent control lever mechanisms to complete the job. I never looked closely but if you need to replace a cable, I think that lawn mower cables or push cables in RC planes may be a source.

 

Speedo Cable

This is slinky. Again pull out the snakey inner cable and wash and lubricate then dry. It does not need a lot of lube. Flush out the casing with a spray solvent/penetrating oil and you are good to go.


Choke Cable, Hood Release Cable, E-Brake Cable

Again, it is best to disassemble, clean and lube like the heater cables, however, if you can not disassemble (like the Ebrake and Hood Release), simply hold the cable vertically and flush spray solvent through it from top to bottom. (sprat into the narrow opening between the sheath and the metal cable). Let it hang and keep hitting the top entry with more fluid every few minutes over an hour or so. Eventually you will see drips at the bottom where fluid carrying debris is washing through. Operating the cable sometimes helps.







My new fav solvent:

Edited January 4, 201510 yr by Blue

Thanks for the tip, Phil. I replaced the hood release cable on the 260Z with a 240Z hood release. It works, but the bracket doesn't fit as well. I tried lubricating the old cable, but it didn't seem to improve. I'll have to try flushing it with some solvent and try again.

The motorcycle guys use a clamp-on tool called a cable luber for lubing the cables. You can buy it at most motorcylce shops.

Use it with an aerosol spray lube of your choice. Should work with the cables still in the car.

Cool! You made me look:

Edited October 11, 201113 yr by Blue