403 boot release cable

[mikebro]

My boot release cable is very stiff - almost seized up. I've stripped out the back of the car for restoration and was hoping at this point to remove the cable for repair or replacement. Just behind the operating knob, the inner cable passes through a short tube that is welded to the tubular frame that goes under the parcel shelf. I can't see any way of removing the cable without cutting the nipple off the boot lock end. Have I missed something? I can unscrew the operating knob but this still seems to leave too large a diameter to pull out the inner. Anyone been there before and can help?