'61 Owner's Manual Clutch Mod
03-03-2008, 05:57 PM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
'61 Owner's Manual Clutch Mod
I actually read my owner's manual the other night and it describes a change to make the clutch throw 4-1/2" instead of 6-1/2" for more of a "..sports car feel". Some of the clutch linkage has to be dis-assembled and the clutch rod flipped over 180 degrees to accomplish it. Is this just silliness or has somebody actually tried it.
03-03-2008, 10:25 PM
#2
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Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
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It has been done quite often. But, along with that quicker throw is increased pedal pressure (probably about 50% more effort due to you still need pedal free play in the equation). Your choice.
If you do it, just make sure you change the spring overcenter adjustment as well.
I did it on my "completely manual" 66 Vette, along with the quicker steering (just change the outer tie rod ends to the "other" set of holes on the knuckles, and reset the toe in), and also the faster shifter holes as well. Those were not available on the C1's, although there was a "quick steering ratio" adapter offered that attached to the 3rd arm, but was kind of Mickey Mouse, but I guess it worked OK.
John
If you do it, just make sure you change the spring overcenter adjustment as well.
I did it on my "completely manual" 66 Vette, along with the quicker steering (just change the outer tie rod ends to the "other" set of holes on the knuckles, and reset the toe in), and also the faster shifter holes as well. Those were not available on the C1's, although there was a "quick steering ratio" adapter offered that attached to the 3rd arm, but was kind of Mickey Mouse, but I guess it worked OK.
John
Last edited by Plasticman; 03-03-2008 at 10:33 PM.
03-04-2008, 01:04 AM
#3
Race Director
I changed mine 30 years ago.
Much less travel for clutch release.
Mom won't like it, (also a good girlfriend repellent, they don't like the stiff clutch and won't want to drive the car) but if you want quicker shifts, and less pedal travel, it works.
Good leg muscle builder, also.
Doug
Much less travel for clutch release.
Mom won't like it, (also a good girlfriend repellent, they don't like the stiff clutch and won't want to drive the car) but if you want quicker shifts, and less pedal travel, it works.
Good leg muscle builder, also.
Doug
03-04-2008, 07:29 AM
#5
Team Owner
Thread Starter
On page 69 of '61 Owner's Manual under "Pedal Repositioning". You have to remove clutch pedal push rod and flip it over; then use different clutch bracket holes for the pedal arm inside the car. There is a picture in the manual - probably more trouble than its worth I'm thinking.
03-04-2008, 11:38 AM
#6
Race Director
OT: Isn't it nice to have a car with an owners manual that actually has mechanical, how-to-work-on-it stuff in it?
Doug
Doug
03-04-2008, 12:14 PM
#7
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Sometimes - I remember when the Ford Pinto was advertising that you could set the plug gap using the ignition key because it was, "...just so easy to work on!". Just before you got cooked in the fiery crash.
03-04-2008, 12:50 PM
#8
Race Director
No trouble at all, half hour give or take. If you dont like it put it back. You wont put it back.