I have finally resolved the issue of the stiff clutch in the 82 242. The new clutch cable needed lube.

My first attempt was to replace the very badly worn clutch cable with a new IPD clutch cable. The new cable helped a little tiny bit. The clutch was still a bear to operate.

I then replaced the very old clutch and pressure plate assembly. I also cleaned and lubed the dry rusty clutch fork pivot ball. That made it a lot better, but it still took a bit of effort to operate the clutch.

Then remembering what my trusty volvo mechanic Bob had advised, I lubed the clutch cable with ATF and worked it in. The result was the smoothest silkiest clutch I have ever stepped foot on. It is amazing, there is barely any resistance on the pedal. It greatly improves the driving experience overall. None of the literature said anything about lubing the clutch cable but it worked great.