How about radio-control model airplane snap-on cable end retainers?
  They just need a simple right-angle bend, and are available in different sizes.

Mike B.  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: BenT Syncro 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 2:56 PM
  Subject: Re: SA van images

  AB,

  I pulled a set of these controls from an A3 Jetta. Near as I can
  figure, all one has to do is convert the ends of the Vanagon cables
  into a loop instead of a semi-hook.

  Been trying to twist those spring steel heater cables. I can't quite
  get it to make a perfect loop. If I could, there would be no mods
  needed to the heater control cluster. Maybe an adapter of sorts for
  the cable ends can work. It's beyond my skill/tool set.

  BenT
  Sent from my mobile dustpan

  On Nov 13, 2009, at 11:41 AM, Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:

  > I sent this message to fellow list member a few weeks ago, re rotary
  > controls
  >
  > alistair
  >
  >
  > golf/jetta/passat when i found a golf
  > with the rotary controls pulled out. you know the kind, 3 large
  > circular knobs, fan speed, temp, and distribution. I had always
  > assumed they were vacuum controls, but no, they drive a cute gear set
  > that pull cables via levers.
  >
  > a clever guy may be able to adapt to vanagon. fan speed and temp
  > pretty simple. distribution, well may be hard.
  >
  > ab