Hi Ron,
Rather than all that trouble, haven't you added an emergency auxillary cable? Ford even had a TSB and upgrade kit for this. 16" or so of aircraft cable, a small hole drilled in the pedal box, loop cable through latch mechanism arm and crimp to itself with a compression sleeve, and another crimp/sleeve around a washer or round key ring dangling inside the pedal box.
This is # 1 of my "famous" under $20 fixes for every Pantera.
http://www.banzairunnerpantera.com/best_fixes.htm
Larry
PANTERA INTERNATIONAL
A DE TOMASO CAR CLUB
Presents the De Tomaso Forums
The On-Line Meeting Place for De Tomaso Owners and Enthusiasts From Around the World
Clicking on the banner will take you to the sponsor's website.