Jerry, having some experience with numerous old cars I firmly believe that whenever possible use original equipment and that would include the throttle cable if possible. Replacement parts for vehicles that old are often crap. Certainly everything needs cleaned. I'm puzzled when the Ford dealer told me the cable was working. Only answer I can think of is the tow truck driver freed it up by pulling on both the pedal and cable. It will be interesting to see what my local shop finds.

 

^ if it is a throttle body engine the throttle plate may have gotten stuck in the bore of the body. Just thinking out loud here ?

 

Thanks. I think the cable needs cleaned or replaced. The return spring needs checking. The throttle body and plate need a cleaning ... no doubt there's carbon build up after 25 years. But It's hard to imagine it could stop it from operating. I'm really looking forward to my local shop guys findings.

 

When I was 18 or so my mom had a older Dodge Polara. The emergency brake cable would freeze up.
We kept a torch in the trunk. I guess I just don't trust old cables. It's hard to lube them all the way once rust gets in there.

 

Guessing Varsity Ford? Glad you got it out of there and to a local shop.

 

Good ending. Built Ford Tough. Leaking brake hose replaced, throttle cable sprayed, brakes & transmission checked out ok. $134 and back on the road!

 

Much better than $2300