Help with clutch cable on 1988 245 DL

Can't figure what to do now - Napa cable seems too short, their supplier
checked all batches and another manufacturer and the total length is 42
1/4 " in length. Repair shop struggled to attach it to fork with rubber
block bushing and the heavier steel block and the pedal engages clutch
nearly at the top of pedal travel. They have attempted the nylon nut
adjustment 4 or 5 times over and the clutch will not even engage at all
Does anyone know of this problem? Is it evident that when the original
cable snapped the clutch fork has been altered somehow or is some thing
else wrong? Clutch been in use for 260,000klms and has a little initial
chattering when first accelerating sometimes - but been like that for
last 3 years or so (since I had this car)
any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Not sure about what length of cable should be, but i've never heard of
a busted cable doing any additional harm.