replacing cable steering with Hydro

[scubatelco]

I can't get the cables out from the motor end, there is not enough room to pull them straight out. What should I do? Can these cables be cut of with a grinder and cut off wheel?

[basshawksc]

I cut my cabels with a big bolt/lock cutter.

[scubatelco]

Thanks, I do have a large bolt cutter in my office that I could use.

[grimsbylander]

Hacksaw will work too.

[scubatelco]

Great thanks,
I was thinking that the cables were stainless steel and very hard to cut. Sounds like that is not the case.

[basshawksc]

I tried a hacksaw and it took way to long, then again I had a two cable system

[Javman389]

Recipricating saw with a metal blade will make quick work of your cables.

[skeeter91]

grinder with a 6in cut-off wheel and its done in less than a minute!

[Walkabout7781]

The trickiest part is opening up the hole in the dash for the new helm unit. Fit a piece of scrap 2x4 to push into the hole like a cork...some taper. Then locate the center (doesn't require great precision) and go at it with the proper sized holesaw/electric drill. Check Harbor Fright for the holesaw. Most likely, you'll only need it to work once, which it should. Assuming you already have a suitable electric drill.

[rangerdaniel]

Agree with walkabout. I did the same thing. In order to get old cables (ran double) angle grinder cut it like butter.

[Iowa Bass Hunter]

I cut mine with a pair of bolt cutters. Then as Walkabout noted, getting the new bigger hole cut in is tricky. I ended up placing the smaller hole saw blade inside the bigger one, just sticking out a bit further. Put the smaller one into the original hole and let it guide the bigger hole saw through. Worked like a champ.

[AWilliams]

I Put the smaller one into the original hole and let it guide the bigger hole saw through. Worked like a champ.

genius!!

[basshawksc]

I clamped a old 2X4 behind the hole and let the guide bit drill into that before the hole saw started cutting. Just make sure the guide bit is in the center of the hole.

[scubatelco]

Thanks for all the reply's. I ended up using bolt cutters but it was still pretty hard to cut.
New Hydro steering is the way to go. You will need two people to bleed the system but it is sooo smooth now. Miss the old cable 4 turns lock to lock versus 5 turns on the Hydro. Thanks again

[basshawksc]

I miss the old two handed turns on the cable system opposed to the 2 finger turn on the hydro.. just kidding I don't miss the old cable system at all.