That is the best thing to do. There isn't any way to repair the busted cable. If you need to "lock" the frunk until you get the new cable, you could try pulling the broken cable end with a vice grip and then clamping onto the cable as close to the ferrule as possible with a second vice grip. Not ideal, and you might kick the vice grip.
......The change was made at the same time the interior was being redesigned for the 79 model year and some late 78 Xs had the late model set up. The early cable is pretty short given the proximity of the handle and latch, so I don't know if this complete early set up could be adapted to a late model. Perhaps an early latch could be transplanted into the late set up retaining the late model cable?
I'm spending a lot of time to change the cable, first time.Here is my current version. Not the cleanest ferrule crimp, but you can see the cable stop I mentioned in the post.
View attachment 1848
I'm spending a lot of time to change the cable, first time.
I tried to use ordinary stainless wire selling at DIY store intead, but It's hard to access or tighten set bolt on latch, so upon your comments, to decide to use bicycle cable. And Noticed that if I install it stop end on latch lever side hall first, then no need to tighten set bolt. So,need to clinch wire on hand lever side to secure. then, so far so good.
Still have issue, How to access set bolt?