Anybody replaced the stock C1 pull back spring ("Godzilla" spring), and replaced it with a pull back spring to the pedal under the dash? Would be interested in hearing how you did it.
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
Chris,
I added a spring on my clutch pedal to pull it back up to the stop yesterday.
This was just so my body man can move the car around. I've made clutch linkage from scratch for street rods and never had a problem. I can't get this to work.
I've been told you can remove Godzilla and just add a spring to the firewall.
When I get it back from the body shop I'll try that. Let me know if you find something that works.
Larry -
Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
Chris; if you are talking about the big spring that goes to the frame from the clutch linkage. i took mine off for fear of it holding the pedal down when shifting,(which is another post alltogeather) I just went down and looked at it and i have no other springs other than the anti ratel spring on it, it works fine as i have been on 600 mile trips, and drive it a good bit with no problems, why do you want to put another spring on it?;; LeeComment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
That was my initial thought too - add a spring from the existing linkage up to the firewall. The original spring goes down to the frame. Where the original spring goes down, with the over center action, it holds the clutch down when the pedal is depressed. If I could have the spring go up, say to the firewall, it would only hold work as a opull back spring, which is what I want.
Problem is, I cannot find anyplace on the firewall to which to attach the spring. I guess I could drill a hole, but I hate doing that. If I were to attach some kind of a bracket to the firewall, it would need to be backed up on the passenger side with a washer to spread the load. A self tapping machine screw here would pull out pretty quick.Comment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
That's where I am now. I disconnected that big spring because I installed a diaphragm clutch and was afraid of the spring holding the pedal down while shifting. Other than the anti-rattle spring, there's no other springs on the linkage.
In this state, the weight of the pedal and linkage rest on the throw-out bearing. Not good. Not fatal for short periods, but not good. There's no free play in the pedal unless I put my foot underneath it and lift it up. There should be a spring in there to hold the pedal up and to keep the throwout bearing from resting on the clutch fingers. All clutches have this feature. I'm just trying to figure out an easy way to do it that doesn't look bad. That's why I liked the idea of doing it under the dash.Comment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
Not on a Corvette but on my 57 Chevy I had the same problem. I made a bracket that attaches to the pedal's arm so it changes the attachment point so the spring does not go over center. Seems to work good. It also lightens the spring load on my leg. I would think tat the Vette is very similar to the Chevy attachment.Comment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
When I ditched my 57's "Godzilla spring" (after judging), I just fabricated a small bracket from .062" aluminum that used the two existing bolt holes at the top of the lever; the bracket relocated the spring hole rearward (to eliminate the over-center geometry). I found a storm-door spring at the hardware store that was a good fit between the new bracket and the existing welded bracket on the frame, painted it flat black, and it worked great as just a return spring. Didn't look all that different from the original setup. The photo below shows the new bracket - not the greatest photo, but the car is long gone (sold last year) and I can't take a better one.
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
Chris,
My '57 was apparently a powerglide car when new as the clutch mechanism was added. (I still have the big brake pedal) Anyway, the clutch return spring is under the dash on mine. I don't have a picture of it. It is kind of like a door spring mentioned above but a little bigger diameter. I remember when I first got it you could hear the spring go t**** each time depressed. I fixed by putting some plastic sleeving over the spring to deaden the noise. I always wanted to put the correct spring down where it belongs but have not done so.
Car is in storage now but will get out later this spring. I could probably get a photo for you then.
TedComment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
John...
Your idea is the best I seen, Attaching to the firewall has keep me using the Godzilla Spring, Thanks for the Idea...Comment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
John,
Did you use something differant on the pivot connection where the sleeve goes into the upper lever of the pivot assy? Mine is crooked and I'm not happy with the angles. Yours looks like it had an extra spacer.
LarryComment
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Re: C1 Clutch Pull Back Spring Mod.
Larry -
Can't remember, although I didn't add any parts that weren't there to begin with. BTW, I HIGHLY recommend carrying a spare pivot bolt and nut in your "road kit" toolbox; it's an oddball large-shank machined/shouldered bolt with a small 1/4" nut, not used for any application on any other car on the planet, and you won't find one anywhere except at a Corvette resto parts house.Comment
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