63 clutch pedal spacer

[Todd L.]

Hey guys,

After restoring the brake/clutch pedal assembly, putting everything back as it was from the assembly as it was when I removed it from the car, I started to question the tiny spacer between the clutch pedal and the stop bracket. Was this done in the factory to angle this bracket so the clutch rod was more in alignment, or did someone put this in along the way for some reason? It doesn't appear that this unit had ever been apart, and still has the original brake switch, so I am doubtful that someone put this in later on. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Also, I live 50 miles from where the NCRS national convention will be next week, so if any of you 63 owners will be there, hit me up, I would enjoy meeting you while I am there each day. Thanks!

Todd

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

I don't see that part on Sheet 2.0, section 7 of the 1963 AIM. What does that tell you?

Duke

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Right.... Someone added it.

Looks like the welded rubber bumper stop bracket is bent and they added the spacer to bubbaize the assembly.

[Bill B.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Also, it appears that the bolt on the bottom of the pic looks different (dia and length). That bottom bolt appears to have more threads showing than the top bolt. Optical illusion? I don't have my AIMs with me, but I would assume both fasteners would have been identical for that application.

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

I agree, thanks for the input!

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

The bottom bolt is a recessed countersunk bolt as to not interfere with the clutch rod. They are different.

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Thanks for your input, I will remove it and see how the alignment looks at that point.

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Something else. Notice that the bolt bends the piece to the right, which means the bolt head is not seated normal to the surface. This creates a bending load on the bolt which is a big NO-NO. No bending, no shear! No engineer worth a damn would ever do this kind of Mickey Mouse joint.

Duke

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Todd, before you fix things and reinstall the assembly....

Did you inspect the area where the pedal arm and tubular pivot is welded?

It's a common failure point which requires either rewelding or replacing the arm with new. Many midyears have had this break at the weld.

Rich

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 clutch pedal spacer

Yes Sir, all the welds look good. This car has been apart since 1984, so it had very little use in it's life, thankfully.