DaddyO

My clutch engages right at the floor. Is there a way to adjust it so I don't have to jam it down to the floor to engage?

I don't have jack stands or a lift, so hopefully it's something I can do without those.

dtvett

The clutch is adjusted by two nuts on the rod that comes off the clutch pedal. You can access this by loosening the two nuts and moving the pin towards the front off the car. It's on the drivers-side under the master cylinder. By the way...I live nearby and could help if you have further questions.

DaddyO

It sounds easy dtvett. Is it?
So, you're saying that I can do this from the pedal and the engine compartment? no need to go under the car?

Thanks for the offer of assistance. I'm going to try it myself first.
Where do you live? Nice to see someone else from central jersey!

trw

I would go under the car and make sure everything is tight. Check the "z" bar and the rest of the linkage.

The clutch adjustment might be all that you need. You want to adjust it out (nuts farther toward the front of the engine). If you get better pedal that might be all you need.

Terry

DaddyO

Is this a 15 minute fix? or a 2hr job.

trw

5 min, if all you have to do is adjust the rod.

dtvett

DaddyO:

I live in Green Brook, NJ. Right around the corner. Spent two years restoring my 71. Yes, it should be easy to adjust if that's the only problem. If it still doesn't adjust after this then I can suggest some other things to look into. I would suggest getting some jack stands. I have some that I can sell you if you are interested. They are smaller 4,000 pound stands, but I'll sell them real cheap if you want them? Glad to help another local C3 Vette owner!

DaddyO

That really is close! Right around the corner.
Do you have a conv or coupe?

I was thinking of getting jack stands, but was going to opt for the more heavy duty ones -just to be safe!

lets take this conversation offline - email me at: dan.fulop@gs.co

thanks!

DaddyO

So, it looks like the nuts are already at the end of the rod.
Any other thoughts?

PRNDL

Do you have a Centerforce clutch? or the stock clutch? this is a real common problem with the centerforce clutch. I have the same problem with mine. When the centerforce clutch is installed you are supposed to use an adjustable clutch fork pivot ball. To change this part you have to pull out the transmission! It is on my list of things "to do". Meanwhile, I push the clutch pedal to the floor when I shift..... MJ

DaddyO

I bought the car last month and the previous owner said there was a new clutch in the car. However, I have no idea what kind of clutch it is......

DaddyO

How much do you think a transmission shop would charge for this fix?
I have to press the clutch so far down that I trip the high beam switch!

PRNDL

Same here! Dollars to donuts your "new" clutch is a Centerforce. :) MJ
I already paid my mechanic to replace my clutch, so sure, I should take it back to him and tell him to do it right, but I probably won't. (maybe we can negotiate a group rate..? )


[Modified by MNJack, 11:37 AM 11/6/2002]

DaddyO

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a centerforce clutch? I don't know jack about transmissions.

Dan

Monkeywrench

to illustrate a bit more I just happened to have a photo of the ragjoint and look what's in front...at the top... the rod with two nuts on it..

BTW I took this photo by removing the side grill behind the front tire well. You can actually afjust it from there as well if you don't want to jack up the car.




[Modified by Monkeywrench, 1:32 PM 11/6/2002]

DaddyO

Thanks Monkeywrench.

Just to be clear nuts towards end of rod = lower pedal?

Right now what I'm seeing is the nuts are right at the end of the rod.
(that just sounds wrong) :jester :hat

GWilliam

I had the same adjustment problem with my CenterForce clutch.
Ran out of thread on the clutch push rod so unable to adjust properly.

What I did was remove the clutch rod and had it lengthened. Then I was able to adjust the lock nuts on the thread end to get the pedal just right.

Lot easier to remove the clutch rod than the trans/bellhousing to install the
adjustable pivot.

Worked for me.

Gary

PRNDL

Centerforce is just a brand name. They make very popular aftermarket clutches. The clutches come with an orange sheet of instructions that very clearly states that with Chevy bellhousings you must use an adjustable clutch fork pivot ball and they give you the correct measurements. They do not mention that otherwise you will have to push your pedal to the floor to engage your clutch. Yours is like mine - nuts all the way at the end of the rod, no adjustment left, yet clutch pedal must be pressed to the floor. MJ

DaddyO

OK, so how tough is it to take off the rod? and how do i lengthen it?

GWilliam

There's a spring clip that holds it to the pedal inside the car.
You'll have to contort yourself a little to get to it.

Outside, just take off the lock nut and slip it out of the square pivot.

Then just pull it through the firewall from the inside.
Should slip through the dust shield at the firewall or remove it too.

Now take it someone who can cut it and weld a peice of similar stock so
it comes out about 3 inches longer.

Gary