Stuck vent control cables -- '53 Dragon

[fowens]

Looking for advice about --

(1)  How to unstick vent control cables [and other heater controls] that are frozen tight, but not rusted [garaged car].

(2)  side view mirror for a '53 K Dragon

Thanks for your response!
fowens@fandm.edu

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

First, if you can, remove the cable loop from the vent door.  See if the vent moves easily or if it works hard if not at all (there could be debris inside or the door froze from inside rust).  If the vent does not move easily, you can try some WD-40 to see if you can move it into a loose condition.  Then put the loop back on the door and see if the cable moves.  If not, remove the cable per the shop manual instructions for removing the controls and run some WD-40 down the end from the cable. 

[fowens]

I'll try that...

Thank you!

[retired wrench]

 Also spray  the out side of the housing the penetrant will work thru the coils over time.

[BigDave LM6174]

I have a sign in my garage.......

IF IT MOVES AND SHOULDN'T THEN USE DUCK TAPE
IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE WD-40

Sign is always correct. 

[dusty]

I found a good way to work the old cables and rusted nuts and screws. Buy a oil can with flexible spout (Tractor supply store or on line is 1 source) use 50% 50% mix auto transmission fluid and mineral spirits put in oil can. Use without getting the stuff where you DON'T want it. Works much better than WD 40

[dpledger]

I just went through this with my 53 Manhattan. WD is anemic for this-use deep creep or PT blaster. Easier if they can be removed, but if not pull the open end up above the rest of the cable. After blasting the entire length and flexing it as much as possible to work it in, if it is still stuck start feeding it into the high end twixt the wire and coil. A really good tool for this is a hypo needle. Spray some in a cup, then suck it up with the needle and inject slowly. It will run i until it hits a block and then start to come out through the coil. Flex this area and do it again. If you keep this up eventually they will come loose, at least mine did. Might take a few days for the most recalcitrant, but they will give in the long term.

When you have succeeded, inject some graphite lubricant solution in to prevent recurrences.

[Logan]

Don't spill on your carpet!