Throttle cable replacement, Need encouragement Options

[Curvie Roadlover]

I'm planning on replacing my throttle cable this weekend with a Terry cable. I was going to do this a while ago but I couldnt get the original cable loose from where it comes out of the firewall so I just let it be. Now I'm ready to try again. Any tips or tricks to getting the cable loose from the firewall? I was thinking of splitting the cable's metal cap with a dremel and prying it apart but I don't want to damage the underlying tube. Also, is it true that I have to remove the center console to change the TC? I'm looking for any help and encouragement I can get because right now the car runs great and I don't want to do anything to it that might cause me to f**k something up and render the car inop. especially with the number of driving days left this year dwindling fast.

[Curvie Roadlover]

Why are you replacing it?

If theres nothing wrong per se- why don't you wait until the end of the season? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Fiid.

It's original (27 years old), and I've got the replacement already. Also, I broke the threaded part of the sheath at the throttle body end, so now there is only about 3 threads that hold it to the bracket on the engine. I figured I'd replace it before it strands me somewhere. I plan to attend the Indiana Fall Tour and that's about a 6-7 hour drive each way, so I thought it would be a good idea to replace it before that long drive. I can still carry it as a spare in case the Terry cable ever breaks (if I don't fuck it up removing it, that is).