I am starting a new thread, as my old one was too long. (see "mushy accelerator pedal" for the gory details). This thread is trying to determine whether or not my 69 is supposed to have a spring on the bottom of the accelerator pedal (my truck does, for example). This car was not drivable when i rescued it, so i am trying to address what looks to be a loose, floppy pedal. I originally thought it was a cable/linkage problem, but now it is clear I am addressing multiple problems. The AIM is not clear on this. If anyone has a clear picture of the accelerator pedal assembly from a C3, it would be helpful. Even confirming that there should be a spring on the bottom of the pedal would help.

Thanks,
Richard

 

Yes, it has a spring. That's what holds it on the linkage. If no one comes up with a good picture, I'll take one tomorrow. W/O the spring, the pedal just flops around as you said.

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...991472499AB0C7

 

There is a small spring under the pedal (linked to in the above post) that simply holds the pedal in an upright position. It does nothing to assist "pedal return". Pedal return is completely controlled by the carb return springs. If you have a mushy too soft pedal, vs a "floppy pedal", then you need to go back and look again at how your carb return springs are working. If you are only trying to get your pedal to stand up then the spring above will solve your problem (sometimes the spring simply unhooks and can be hooked back so you should check it first).

 

Thanks for both responses. part of the trouble was both a "mushy" feeling and a "flopping" problem. It took me a little while to realize I had two different, but related problems. I think the "mushy" problem is now resolved. I just need to find where I can get a pedal spring to solve that problem. i have tried mid-america, DR rebuild, and ecklers. none of them list a pedal spring, hence my confusion if there was supposed to be one or not. I will try a couple of others now that I know there is definitely supposed to be one.

Richard

 

There's got to be a "Corvette" section of a local junkyard. Call around; it should be easy to locate one.

 

In the recent past those springs have been listed on eBay as NOS Corvette parts and were inexpensive as I recall.

 

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...991472499AB0C7

 

So Richard...
What did you determine was the cause of your Mushy Pedal???

 

Wow, great response. Thanks for all of the input.

Duke94. Thanks. that was one place I had yet to look. The spring, and a couple of other items were ordered. I just need to figure out how it connects. The AIM is not clear, probably because the pedal was delivered as an assembly.

7T1vette. You must live in heaven (or can see it close by) if you have a junk yard with a corvette section, particularly one with old vettes. I have done junk yard crawls for other vehicles all over north Texas and have never seen such a thing. All I see is 80s-90s junk, and they date them and crush them after a few months. I have not seen an old school junkyard since I left Kentucky. if anyone knows of such a place near Dallas, please let me know.

Sly vette. I fixed the "mushy" pedal problem (mostly) by getting a proper return spring set up with increased tension, over the system "bubba" had rigged up. It is much improved. Once I can get the floppy pedal problem resolved, then I can better tell exactly how well the rest of the system works. If i cannot make it better through additional adjustment, then a new cable is in order. I have used Lokar stuff before on other projects, no doubt their stuff is as good as it gets.

Thanks again. Once I get this issue finished up, and go through the brakes, it will be safe enough to get this car back on the road, where all corvettes belong. It has taken a while to make this car road ready, but I believe it will be worth it. Rescuing a corvette is always worth it.

 

I had a broken pedal spring on my 68. I couldn't find a picture of how it was assembled so I just crawled under there and tried a few different configurations. I can't figure out how to describe it to you, but as I recall you need to "fold the spring back on itself and hold it against the pedal while you slip the assembly onto the accelerator arm.

It didn't take too long to figure out, but it wasn't easy. I'm sure you'll see what I'm talking about afte a few trial and errors.

 

I encountered the spring problem when I replaced my accelerator petal with a new petal and new stainless steel suround. I think replacing the spring will be difficult with the accelerator petal in place. I removed the entire accelerator petal and shaft assembly. It was pretty easy since I already had the speedo/tach dash removed. Removing the entire assembly makes installing the spring easy.....once you figure out how it's mounted.

 

Well, I moved to Phoenix three years ago, and,yes, compared to Indiana, it is heaven. Anyway, there is a "salvage" yard in downtown Phoenix with a Corvette section...and it has several C3s in it. Some time back I needed one of the little relay gizmos on the firewall. I walked in to the place, they sent a guy out with me, we walked to the Corvettes, and there was a '72 with those relays glistening in the sun at me. Unbelievable...and only $5. Yes, Virginia...dreams do come true.