Bear with me...

[speezly]

So there is an assembly attached to the driverside fender, right beside the wiper reservoir, it has a cable coming out of it. looks similar to the clutch cable, where the f. does this go? Am i being stupid and overlooking something obvious?

[beatersubi]

Sounds like the 'hill-holder' many of these cars featured.

[speezly]

where would that connect to? This assembly has hard lines coming from the firewall into it. there is also a spring right before the cable comes out of the assembly. Could it possibly just be the cruise control?

[beatersubi]

Those are brake lines. I believe it acts only on the rear brakes, but I'm sure someone will correct me on that.
The cable runs back to the clutch throw-out arm. When properly adjusted, it keeps brake pressure applied when the clutch pedal and brake pedal are depressed to keep the car from rolling until the clutch pedal is released.

[Legacy777]

Yeah....sounds like the hill holder setup. If yours is not working, you can remove it....or adjust it properly so it works.