I need to replace the accelerator cable in my Beetle ('74 1300 standard bug). I thought it would be as simple as pulling the old one out and threading the new one through. I checked the replacement procedure and it says I need to get under the car to get at the flexible hose above the gearbox.

I take it this is accurate and there's no way of doing it without getting under the car? Or at least a reliable way of doing it?

Thats pretty much right, it comes out at the front of the tunnel inside the car, but it feeds through a flexible tube over the gearbox, and there is little chance that you can feed it through there from the front without assisting it from under the car.
Good Luck with the job

Hmm, thanks. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get under the car. Oh well.

yes if you jack it up on the pass side u can slide under easy. you usually have to guide the new cable through and lubricate it at same time with some grease also have to get in the back of the engine to thread teh cable through

Apparantly the trick is to take the passenger side wheel off? I suppose that would make it easier, but I feel extremely nervous about getting under the car while it's only supported by axle stands. But then I'm the paranoid type.

Knowing my luck the bloody clutch cable will go after I've got this sorted.

How about backing it up on ramps? They feel a bit safer than axle stands. If you do use axle stands chuck the wheel under the pan after you take it off.

Yeah I would usually use ramps, but I've read that the process is much easier if you take the passenger side wheel off. Which is a bugger, because getting the wheels back on is always a game.