I'm putting the clutch linkage together on a 61 and need to know how the big clutch return spring fits on the bracket. There is a U-notch next to a thick hairpin. Does the spring slip over the U-notch or through the hairpin? Also, to make the spring reach the pivot shaft do I need to stretch this monster spring or am I doing something wrong. thanks for your help.
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Re: Clutch return spring
Well, my 78 may be too far from your 61 to be much, help, but I just replaced all the hardware on my cross shaft a couple weeks ago. Every spring on my clutch linkage (3) had hole to put the end through. No knobs or notches. It's a little tough to get the big spring hooked back up. I found it easier from under the car.
Good Luck Todd #35272 -
Re: Clutch return spring
Mike if I understand your post correctly, you may be missing a piece of hardware. There is a bracket that attaches to the cross shaft bracket which consists of a small oval piece with a hole in each end. 'Bout an inch long and 3/8 wide. One hole rides in the "U" notch that you refere to and the other is where the spring hooks. No way are you going to get the spring to attach directly to the bracket unless you had a LOT of wheaties for breakfast.Comment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Maybe I should clarify my post. The spring that I'm referring to is the one that attaches to a bracket which is welded to the chassis. There is also a spring under the dash for the clutch pedal return. I believe you are right in that something seems to be missing. MikeComment
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Re: Clutch return spring
I am assuming that you are talking about the one under the hood, below the steering column. The short end attaches to the bracket on the frame, the long end attaches to the little oval piece which in turn attaches to the bracket on the cross shaft. It sounds to me like perhaps you don't have a manual. Look in a parts catalog if necessary, most of them show all the parts and where they go.Comment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Mike, I've had to replace the return spring on my '61 also. Ed's description of the apparent missing part is correct. It is illustrated in the AIM (Assemble Instruction Manual,Page A103) without being named, unfortunately. If, in fact, this part is missing you could obtain one from Corvette Central. If you will e-mail me I can supply more detailed infomation. Perhaps "The Rev." (Dale Pearman) will comment on this part's nomenclature, or not. Jack P.S. It took myself and my neighbor to stretch the spring while guiding it into the oval bracket.Comment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Mike: If you haven't installed the spring yet, I figured out a less strenuous way when I put on my '57 spring. Put the end of the spring in a bench vise. Bend the spring in all four directions and insert flat washers between the coils (every other one or so). This will lengthen the spring so that it can be hooked on quite easily. Then simply expand the spring by depressing the clutch pedal and the washers should either fall out or come out with the help of a pliers. It sounds odd, but it works. I've used this method a number of times.Comment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Great idea Art! I will give it a try. thanks, MikeComment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Thanks Jack. I do have the AIM and appears all the parts but I'm not certain how the lower end of the spring attaches to the small bracket that's welded to the chassis. There is a U notch and next to it a hairpin looking cotter key but the illustrations do not clearly show where the spring hook goes. MikeComment
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Re: Clutch return spring
Best idea I've heard today!Comment
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Attach Spring to Hairpin *NM*
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