Dreaded clutch cable tube, Question, advice? Options

[Quinn Moore]

Thank goodness it happened in the driveway. Started the car, pushed in the clutch, went for reverse then heard a little grinding noise, put it in neutral and let the clutch pedal out. Pushed the clutch pedal again.......then pop, pedal went halfway to the floor.

Read quite a few posts on the subject. So before cutting anything I got my scope in various spots in the tunnel and found the middle bracket is what broke. I was able to pull/bend the bracket (using some ingenuity) the side where the clutch tube is welded (or braised). The picture shows it how I found it. The two pieces are lined up now. And the tube protrudes out the back firewall. It was almost flush from when the bracket broke and pulled the in, towards the front of the car.

Question 1: Im going to TIG weld a tab to the tube and to the floor.
Any concern, other than burning through the tube?

Question 2: was the tube originally welded to the rear firewall? You can see in the second picture, some deformation and even a small crack where it got pulled through.

I did see a few photos of others solution. i.e. a washer cut so it slips over the tube, and another picture where a guy made a plate. (Looked very nice). But in both instances, i think I read JB weld was used for the "plate" repair, and for the washer repair, I believe its welded. I would assume there could be pressure there. Not sure, that's why im asking. Bottom line, should the tube be attached to the firewall or is it just sticking out of the hole.

Thoughts? Thanks much appreciated.

QM

[Steve]

Most people weld a washer over the tube to the firewall. My car has this fix. My tube also came loose in the tunnel and someone welded it back. Otherwise drilling two holes and using a hose clamp to temporarily hold it in place for a quick tunnel fix.