1963 clutch rod question - NCRS Discussion Boards

1963 clutch rod question

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Gerald C.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • June 30, 1987
    • 1281

    1963 clutch rod question

    This clutch rod nut is adjusted all the way at the end of this rod and the clutch pedal is still just about off the floor. It is the correct length (18") and the clutch fork rod is also the correct length (11 1/2").

    Other than extending the clutch rod by about an inch, does anyone have any other thoughts on how to remedy this issue? does anyone have any thoughts as to why this is happening?

    Jerry
  • Joe L.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • February 1, 1988
    • 43219

    #2
    Re: 1963 clutch rod question

    Originally posted by Gerald Coia (11656)
    This clutch rod nut is adjusted all the way at the end of this rod and the clutch pedal is still just about off the floor. It is the correct length (18") and the clutch fork rod is also the correct length (11 1/2").

    Other than extending the clutch rod by about an inch, does anyone have any other thoughts on how to remedy this issue? does anyone have any thoughts as to why this is happening?

    Jerry

    Jerry------

    I suspect the problem originates with the clutch. Corvettes are VERY sensitive to correct dimensional configuration of the clutch assembly, flywheel, and release bearing. It may be that the currently installed clutch was OK for awhile but as it became worn, you ran out of adjustment.
    In Appreciation of John Hinckley

    Comment

    • Gerald C.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • June 30, 1987
      • 1281

      #3
      Re: 1963 clutch rod question

      Thanks Joe. I guess my immediate remedy is to extend the clutch rod about an inch so that I can pick up the adjustment. I can replace the clutch, etc. over the winter.

      Comment

      • Joe L.
        Beyond Control Poster
        • February 1, 1988
        • 43219

        #4
        Re: 1963 clutch rod question

        Originally posted by Gerald Coia (11656)
        Thanks Joe. I guess my immediate remedy is to extend the clutch rod about an inch so that I can pick up the adjustment. I can replace the clutch, etc. over the winter.

        Jerry------


        The 1966-67 pedal rod, GM #3888213, which is also SERVICE for 1963-65, is 19-3/8" overall length. It's GM-discontinued but I expect it's available in reproduction.
        In Appreciation of John Hinckley

        Comment

        • Loren L.
          Extremely Frequent Poster
          • April 30, 1976
          • 4104

          #5
          Re: 1963 clutch rod question

          Have you changed the throw-out bearing?

          Comment

          • Gerald C.
            Extremely Frequent Poster
            • June 30, 1987
            • 1281

            #6
            Re: 1963 clutch rod question

            Thanks Joe. I'll reach out to LICC or paragon in the morning.

            Comment

            • Gerald C.
              Extremely Frequent Poster
              • June 30, 1987
              • 1281

              #7
              Re: 1963 clutch rod question

              Loren,

              No I haven't as I just got the car back today from the restorer. Just trying to piecemeal the car for a couple of shows before the winter.

              Comment

              • Rich G.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • August 31, 2002
                • 1397

                #8
                Re: 1963 clutch rod question

                Could be wrong TO bearing. When I bought my 66 14 years ago it had a home made clutch rod so I figured I be a good NCRS boy and get the correct one. Then the clutch wouldn't work anymore. The tranny came down for other reasons and putting the correct T.O. Bearing in made everything work together.

                I'm not sure, but at the time I think I was told that the passenger car and corvette bearings were different. Others here I'm sure will know better than I.

                Rich
                1966 L79 Convertible. Milano Maroon
                1968 L71 Coupe. Rally Red (Sold 6/21)
                1963 Corvair Monza Convertible

                Comment

                • Joe L.
                  Beyond Control Poster
                  • February 1, 1988
                  • 43219

                  #9
                  Re: 1963 clutch rod question

                  Originally posted by Rich Giannotti (38594)
                  Could be wrong TO bearing. When I bought my 66 14 years ago it had a home made clutch rod so I figured I be a good NCRS boy and get the correct one. Then the clutch wouldn't work anymore. The tranny came down for other reasons and putting the correct T.O. Bearing in made everything work together.

                  I'm not sure, but at the time I think I was told that the passenger car and corvette bearings were different. Others here I'm sure will know better than I.

                  Rich

                  Rich------


                  Yes, the bearings were different. The bearing generally used for passenger cars was 1-7/8" overall length; the Corvette bearing was 1-1/4" or 1-7/32" overall length. Sometimes, parts counter guys just assume that the 1-7/8" bearing "works for all Chevys". That can begin a chain of events that ends up with a huge headache for the installer if he doesn't detect the problem before installation. However, usually if the 1-7/8" bearing is installed in a Corvette one cannot achieve any adjustment from the get-go. That's probably why someone added some length to the clutch rod; it was easier than "going back in".

                  By the way, the 1-7/32" bearing was discontinued years ago and replaced by the 1-1/4" so, as of that time, all 1956-81 Corvettes use the 1-1/4" bearing. I think the 1-7/32" bearing was an attempt by GM engineers to "fine tune" the finicky 63+ Corvette clutch actuation system as was the the oddball 1-3/8" fork stud. They finally gave up on both as counterproductive or a "failed experiment" and went back to pre-1964 parts before the end of C3 production.
                  In Appreciation of John Hinckley

                  Comment

                  • Bob R.
                    Extremely Frequent Poster
                    • June 30, 2002
                    • 1595

                    #10
                    Re: 1963 clutch rod question

                    You may have had the flywheel machined which would cause the problem you are having. I had to install shims on my flywheel to get the proper adjustment on my car after have the flywheel machined.

                    Comment

                    • Timothy B.
                      Extremely Frequent Poster
                      • April 30, 1983
                      • 5186

                      #11
                      Re: 1963 clutch rod question

                      Gerald,

                      I would start at the clutch pedal bracket that bolts to the pedal under the dash and check that it's the correct 1963 -65 pin location. You stated the clutch rod is 18" and the clutch fork rod is the correct 1963 part. That leaves the bellcrank to verify as the 63 part and there is information in the archives about that.

                      If you find the linkage is correct the rubber boot can probably be moved to give you a look at the throw out bearing. If that appears to be 1 1/4" then you are going to need to take it apart. I had a problem with my 67 clutch when I bought it where if I adjusted the linkage for some free play the clutch would not disengage fully when pushing the pedal down to the floor. The problem turned out to be the pressure plate, apparently if the surface is turned shims are used to correct overall height. Took it to a rebuilder that did truck clutch and brake work etc. and when I got it back all was fine.

                      Comment

                      • Gerald C.
                        Extremely Frequent Poster
                        • June 30, 1987
                        • 1281

                        #12
                        Re: 1963 clutch rod question

                        To All,

                        I replaced the clutch rod with the replacement for a 66-67 that Joe Lucia had suggested and it worked great. I'll address everything else in the clutch assembly over the winter. Thanks everyone!

                        Comment

                        Working...
                        Searching...Please wait.
                        An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                        Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                        An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                        Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                        An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                        There are no results that meet this criteria.
                        Search Result for "|||"