Assuming mechanical, jacketed cable...
The way described, probably interior damage also, bite the bullet and buy the assembly. Otherwise, best case you will have to crimp one end anyway after assembly.
I don’t think it’s long enough to crimp the end. The wires have frayed between the “s”end and the cover. I have put electrical tape on it for now. Hopefully it won’t fray more. The complete set is over forty dollars. The cover has threaded sections on both ends for adjustment.