Broken Mk3 bonnet cable... please help, I'm at my wits end!

[linzwebb]

Please help me guys - my bonnet cable has broken somewhere in the bonnet, I need to open the bonnet to start the car as there are probs with the distributor cap and car won't start at the moment. I know with the Mk3 you can't remove the front grill and get in that way - well, that's what I've been told anyway! I had a mechanic come out, and several blokes have looked at it for me and we're all stumped! I need to get my car working soon as I've got places to go... Does anybody know what I can do? Or know anybody in the Manchester area who will be able to look at it/fix it without damaging it or ripping me off?! I anxiously await your replies... Thanks!

[Mk1Mad J - 16v]

Can opener 

[monkeyalan]

i'm sure the front grille can be removed with a bit of effort and fiddeling. if not , break it and get a new one from a scrap yard . It'll be pretty cheap.

[Bazzer]

I think you can just about get to it from behind the grille - but you'll need to jack and support the front of the car to do it. All you need to do is press the lever doobury forward and it'll pop like the cable's been pulled.

I don't think taking the grille off will do a lot cos there's a big bit o' metal in the way. ANOTHER improvement over the mk2?? 

Much better idea than a can opener