Help with clutch pedal adjustment - '63 Avanti

[sbca96]

It seems like the clutch doesnt fully disengage until awfully close
to the floor. Granted, I am being spoiled driving my '04 GTO with a
hydraulic clutch, but I just thought it was worth checking to see if
there is any improvement to be made. The trans swap required a bit
of a change in engine height at the rear mount under the bellhousing.
It was flattened, and ajusted that way when the new clutch was put in.
Now, with the rear of the engine up, I think thats effected the clutch
pedal operation. I was reading the Avanti manual, but I am not too
familar with the parts involved. I am about to go into the garage and
start on this, so any help will be appreciated as to what to look for.

Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: TKO 5-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[Roscomacaw]

Tom,

I had a Lark come my way about a year ago. Part of the reason it came my way was that the PO couldn't cure the slop in the clutch. I was baffled at first myself, until I realized someone had used one under-sized pin in the coupling collar near the bellhousing. The size difference was only noticeable when a proper-sized pin was held next to the one I took out of the car.

Proper pin - righteous clutch operation![]

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1963 Cruiser
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President two door

[StudeRich]

Tom; be sure that you have the Avanti adjustment rod, not the shorter Lark one! It's a 1560969.


StudeRich at Studebakers Northwest -Ferndale,WA

[sbca96]

I think it has all the right parts, I just think they are out of thier
proper adjustment. Just the directions were a little confusing. I did
not touch the clutch area when I put the TKO in, so I still do not
have a familiarity with it.

Tom

[WCP]

I have an M7003Z T5 in my Avanti with a reconditioned clutch setup and as I recall the clutch engagement is fairly close to the floor. I've put some 3500 miles on the car since installation and haven't revisited the clutch adjustment. I won't have the car out of storage for a couple more weeks to confirm that. I had to drop the trans rear some to provide some tunnel clearance. This car was an automatic until late in the restoration process, I got the urge to grind gears. As a result I don't have previous manual trans operation as a reference.

[fmarshall]

If the clutch worked well before the swap of the tranny, it should now. As the transmission doesn't effect the clutch movement, assuming the spline isn't sticking on the clutch disk hub. Did you happen to clean and lightly lubricate the input spine of the transmission?)

Aside from that, there can be slop where the pin is installed. And the bellcrank lever could be cracked and/or bending.

If all is well by inspection, and otherwise undisturbed, you should only have to remove the pedal return spring, disconnect the clevis and turn the end in (or out?) on the threaded rod a few turns. Then reassemble and try. You will know which way it needs to be turned by the increase or decrease in pedal play.

========================
63 Avanti R2, 4-Speed, 3.73 TT
Martinez, CA

[sbca96]

quote:Originally posted by fmarshall

If the clutch worked well before the swap of the tranny, it should now. As the transmission doesn't effect the clutch movement, assuming the spline isn't sticking on the clutch disk hub. Did you happen to clean and lightly lubricate the input spine of the transmission

Yes, I greased the shaft.[:I]

The only reason I felt the clutch adjustment was effected by the TKO
install was the modification of the rear mount height.

Tom