2.8i Clutch Cable
Discussion
Hi. To replenish my spares box I thought I would include a spare Clutch Cable. No problem I thought, armed with the info' of the "PH Wedges Spare List" Ford 2.3 Cortina MK4,GCC 1207.Information from previous posts. Where can I get one? 
I've tried most of the usual suppliers but so far drawn a blank. Please help if you know of a source or equivalent that would fit. Thanks.
PS. Solved one more problem of a leaking header tank. A Ford Fiesta 1999 fits quite well with suitable manufactured brackets and a Landrover cap rated at 15psi.
Cheers All John C.
I've tried most of the usual suppliers but so far drawn a blank. Please help if you know of a source or equivalent that would fit. Thanks.PS. Solved one more problem of a leaking header tank. A Ford Fiesta 1999 fits quite well with suitable manufactured brackets and a Landrover cap rated at 15psi.
Cheers All John C.
Hi John...Thats good news about the tank...Clutch cable now there's a question....I did find out what it was..Might of been Cortina...I remember mine needing the hoop fitment at the pedal end...Similar to the Escort RS...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=...
If you have the old one then i would personally see if i could get one made....
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=...
If you have the old one then i would personally see if i could get one made....
Hi again Zig. Thanks for the reply. There have been a few past posts on the subject with confusion over the lengths etc. I guess the 1207 might refer to the length perhaps? It seems you can find lower GCC numbers but I guess they wouldn't fit, ie too short. May be, as you suggest, a manufactured item. Pleased about the header tank as "Wesley" is running well and made it into his winter quarters under his own power, the first time in 14+ years. Very sensitive to any fuel adjustment on the regulator though, adjustment with CO2 meter? Brake discs look rusty but not worn. So decision on replacement or clean? So starts another chapter in the saga. Cheers Mate, John C.
For the fitment, I'm pretty sure that's the correct original cable (2.3 manual Cortina IV), but probably a few different ones will fit from the same era because I think all the (Ford) cables had the same ends. i.e. 2.0 OHC may work, but may be too short.
I think you could get a slightly shorter cable in, with a bit of fiddling.
2.8 Capri/Granny may work too, if you can find one. Efi V6 and Efi OHC have different ends.... but Carb and 'K' were the same (all the ones I've seen anyway). Perhaps even Escort or Fiesta !!
1207 may well be length (fan belts typically are) but don't know for sure.
I think Speedy Cables still make stuff like that to order ??
Header tank - Yep anything really as long as you can get about 14 psi cap - your solution sounds good to me !!
I think you could get a slightly shorter cable in, with a bit of fiddling.
2.8 Capri/Granny may work too, if you can find one. Efi V6 and Efi OHC have different ends.... but Carb and 'K' were the same (all the ones I've seen anyway). Perhaps even Escort or Fiesta !!
1207 may well be length (fan belts typically are) but don't know for sure.
I think Speedy Cables still make stuff like that to order ??
Header tank - Yep anything really as long as you can get about 14 psi cap - your solution sounds good to me !!
Edited by RCK974X on Tuesday 13th October 22:59
Thanks Andy, will try Speedy Cables. It's a standby spare incase of breakage but will investigate other Ford fittments. Length could be the problem as I've found a few 1100 & 1200 cables but none longer. The original cap for the Fiesta header tank is rated at 1.2 bar. Maybe a bit too much? So a Landrover one at 15psi seemed a better option. Any advice on cleaning some brake discs, a bit rusty but not worn. Cheers John C.
Hi John....When i bought Delilah she had a length of cable with a nipple on the end...(Ooo missus)...and a temporary fitting on the loop end of the clutch pedal, I have just tried to find it online but i cannot remember what it was specifically called...However here is something that would probably work just the same in an emergency...Plus it looks like a Celtic cross so should be strong...
My clutch cable used to last exactly a year and was a RPITA to do, Especially by the roadside...BUT...It meant that as long as i had a spare in the boot then that would not stop me in my tracks..After all it become a battle of man against machine with me and that cow...(I still love you though)...I won the battle but she won the war...Lessons learnt...
Anyway for cleaning the disc's i should imagine some brake & Clutch cleaner and wire wool?...As long as they are not heavily pitted then once the pads start wearing on them they will soon be fine...
Ziga
My clutch cable used to last exactly a year and was a RPITA to do, Especially by the roadside...BUT...It meant that as long as i had a spare in the boot then that would not stop me in my tracks..After all it become a battle of man against machine with me and that cow...(I still love you though)...I won the battle but she won the war...Lessons learnt...
Anyway for cleaning the disc's i should imagine some brake & Clutch cleaner and wire wool?...As long as they are not heavily pitted then once the pads start wearing on them they will soon be fine...
Ziga
Hi Ziga. Thanks again. My cable is OK at the moment but as you, I like to be prepared. 
Don't you love the "Wedges" I reckon the only reason I bought one was the constant element of surprise of "how the f**k did that happen" 
I've just aquired a set of brand new shocks so a partial strip of the suspension is now added to the growing list of winter tasks! Thanks about the advice on the discs, they are obviously rusty after 14 years but look/feel quite smooth. However I think replacing the brake hoses/pads and caliper seals would be a wise move? Cheers John C.
Don't you love the "Wedges" I reckon the only reason I bought one was the constant element of surprise of "how the f**k did that happen" I've just aquired a set of brand new shocks so a partial strip of the suspension is now added to the growing list of winter tasks! Thanks about the advice on the discs, they are obviously rusty after 14 years but look/feel quite smooth. However I think replacing the brake hoses/pads and caliper seals would be a wise move? Cheers John C. John, Zig will probably remember, a while ago I posted here about the clutch cable breaking....
If you have the setup where the outer part of cable is pushed by the pedal, and the inner part is fixed to a bracket, then check the steel tube bolted to the pedal. On mine, that tube was too long, and it rubbed on the inner cable, gradually wearing it down, and also making the clutch pedal very stiff. Just cutting off about 10mm (? from memory) solved the rubbing problem.
That setup is frankly...CRAP. The Ford design is to pull the inner cable straight out, or nearly so, not have a big bend and then make that bend worse as you push the pedal. I'm still thinking about modding it to look like the Vixen S3 cable clutch, which is simple and MUCH lighter as it works the right way round. I reckon there's JUST enough room to get this in, but tight. I'll post photos if I do this....
Granny one (possibles 2.0,2.3,2.8 ?) may well work too - just has to be about the right length, and not that much difference in engine bay layout between that and Cortina.
If you have the setup where the outer part of cable is pushed by the pedal, and the inner part is fixed to a bracket, then check the steel tube bolted to the pedal. On mine, that tube was too long, and it rubbed on the inner cable, gradually wearing it down, and also making the clutch pedal very stiff. Just cutting off about 10mm (? from memory) solved the rubbing problem.
That setup is frankly...CRAP. The Ford design is to pull the inner cable straight out, or nearly so, not have a big bend and then make that bend worse as you push the pedal. I'm still thinking about modding it to look like the Vixen S3 cable clutch, which is simple and MUCH lighter as it works the right way round. I reckon there's JUST enough room to get this in, but tight. I'll post photos if I do this....
Granny one (possibles 2.0,2.3,2.8 ?) may well work too - just has to be about the right length, and not that much difference in engine bay layout between that and Cortina.
Edited by RCK974X on Wednesday 14th October 20:11
Thanks Andy. I bow to your comprehensive knowledge of the clutch pedal arrangement. A look confirmed you description of a crap system, the pedal pushing on the outer cable sheath. If the Ford Granda clutch cable end fittings are the same it's just the length/availabity that would be the problem? We look forward to your re-design of the system Andy. Regards John C.
John (and any other 2.8 cable clutch owners)
Original - to check.
The tube bolted to the pedal pushes the outer sheath... On mine the tube was long enough that it rubbed on the INNER cable when pedal was about third to half way down, before clutch disengages. This makes the clutch heavy, and also shortens the life of the cable.
It's hard to get yourself at the right angle, but sort of stretched over the seat on your back with door open.....
I just managed to get to a place where I could see setup with torch. I could actually see the wear mark on the tube. So I took it off and shortened the tube, just sawed it off, and filed smooth so no sharp edges.
If you can move the pedal a bit, you can see (sort of) what's happening.
Worth a check to save your clutch cable !!
Original - to check.
The tube bolted to the pedal pushes the outer sheath... On mine the tube was long enough that it rubbed on the INNER cable when pedal was about third to half way down, before clutch disengages. This makes the clutch heavy, and also shortens the life of the cable.
It's hard to get yourself at the right angle, but sort of stretched over the seat on your back with door open.....
I just managed to get to a place where I could see setup with torch. I could actually see the wear mark on the tube. So I took it off and shortened the tube, just sawed it off, and filed smooth so no sharp edges.
If you can move the pedal a bit, you can see (sort of) what's happening.
Worth a check to save your clutch cable !!
Just to muddy the waters a little more. I received a detailed reply from David Newmark, "Oldpartstore" on the subject of clutch cables. Obviously his forte' is Fords. The number GCC1207 is a TRW cable number not QH. The fitment is for a Cortina Mk4 6 cylinder, ie with the old style threaded adjuster. Mk5 Cortina had the rachet system. The numbers don't reflect length. QCC1200 is for a 4 cylinder P100 pickup truck with a rachet system. So in conclusion QCC1207 seems to be the best option? Of course unless anyone knows different? 
Cheers J C.
I received a detailed reply from David Newmark, "Oldpartstore" on the subject of clutch cables. Obviously his forte' is Fords. The number GCC1207 is a TRW cable number not QH. The fitment is for a Cortina Mk4 6 cylinder, ie with the old style threaded adjuster. Mk5 Cortina had the rachet system. The numbers don't reflect length. QCC1200 is for a 4 cylinder P100 pickup truck with a rachet system. So in conclusion QCC1207 seems to be the best option? Of course unless anyone knows different? Cheers J C.Well Guess What ?? I have a spare clutch cable, in its original bag, which is labelled GCC1207 and it's branded QH all over it....
but I admit it's been sat there quite a while. Perhaps QH subcontracted manufacture ?
I'm not being awkward or anything, just saying this so that everyone knows.
Yes, get the EARLY 2.3 , the later cars (Granadas too) went to an 'automatic adjust' setup with a plastic ratchet. These cables have no threaded adjustment at the gearbox end. As far as I know, the wedges all used the early cable.
"This clutch cable, wot I purchased from this very boutique not half an hour ago" .... (how did THAT get there ?)
and who knows - the P100 might work, if it has the right ends ....
but I admit it's been sat there quite a while. Perhaps QH subcontracted manufacture ?
I'm not being awkward or anything, just saying this so that everyone knows.
Yes, get the EARLY 2.3 , the later cars (Granadas too) went to an 'automatic adjust' setup with a plastic ratchet. These cables have no threaded adjustment at the gearbox end. As far as I know, the wedges all used the early cable.
"This clutch cable, wot I purchased from this very boutique not half an hour ago" .... (how did THAT get there ?)
and who knows - the P100 might work, if it has the right ends ....
Hi maybe I can help. Many years ago I worked for a garage that serviced an early Tasmin. One day the car was recovered with a snapped clutch cable. The owner told us he had ordered a cable from TVR direct as they had them specially made for them. When it arrived I recognised it as from a Mk1 Granada 3.0 as I had one fitted to my modified Mk1 cortina. The owner didn't believe me until I removed my cable and compared it. You could even see where the Ford label had been removed. The owner was not happy having paid £35 from TVR rather than £6 from Ford. TVR Don't you love em. Cheers Richard.
Good Morning Richard. Thanks for more info on the cable saga. I'll see what turns up from "Oldparts" I suspect that many of the older Ford cables fit until they went to the rachet system depending on length. My limited experience of TVR's, Chimaera's now Wedges seems to revolve around finding which parts bin TVR dip into when building their vehicles. Fortunately with this forum and the helpful guys on it we solve most problems. 
Cheers J C.
Cheers J C.Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff