65 Brake pedal return

[Bob H.]

While driving my 65, I noticed when coming to a stop, the car brakes seemed to be slightly applied. The firm pedal (No PB) is pretty high and I was going to shorten the rod to the m/c however, when looking I discovered the pedal is not returning firmly like the spring does not have enough tension. If I let off the pedal very easy, sometimes it doesn't return far enough to turn off the brake lights. How do you adjust the spring tension on the pedal?

[William H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

Hi Bob,
I do not think it is adjustable I think that it depends on how many turns you pre-load the spring when you put the bracket and pedal together.
IT could be that the pivot bushing needs some lubrication. I hop[e this helps.
Bill

[William H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

Hi Bob,
I do not think it is adjustable I think that it depends on how many turns you pre-load the spring when you put the bracket and pedal together.
IT could be that the pivot bushing needs some lubrication. I hop[e this helps.
Bill

[Bob H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

Thanks. I will stand on my head and get some lube up there and hope it helps.

[William H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

IF I remember right it has a plastic bushing in the joint so I think you might want some silicone spray. Not sure if WD will work?
ALso read some other posts just now about PB cars not having a spring. Do you have PB?

[William H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

Sorry I see now where you said you had no PB
Sorry again.
Bill

[Edward D.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

Pedal return is a spring (non adjustable) on the cross shaft that goes thru the brake and clutch pedal pivots. There are also nylon bushings between the shaft and bracket. None of these are difficult to replace except for the awkward position you will be in under the dash to get at them. Remove the shaft clip on the right hand side and slide the clutch pedal with shaft out to the left. Replace the spring and nylon bushings. The brake light is a simple switch that is adjustable fore/aft by stamped nuts on the switch body. The switch plunger simply contacts the brake pedal arm. Loosen the nuts and move switch assy fore or aft as required for you brake lights to go on when you depress pedal (arm pushes on switch plunger) and off when you let go (switch plunger allowed to move back). Forgot to mention you will have to remove clutch push rod from pedal bracket before you pull clutch pedal (which has the cross pin going thru the brake pedal) left in order to remove the brake pedal return spring.

[Bob H.]

Re: 65 Brake pedal return

I will try to lube first. hope that takes care of it compared to another car and there is definitely different