C1 Clutch Spring Install

[Paul M.]

1961 Four Speed Car
Is there a technique for installing the overcenter clutch return spring? Is it possible to install it with ordinary garage tools? Or is there a tool available to do so?
This is a bear to get on.
Thank you, PM

[Rob Edwards]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring Install

Paul-

Do a search in archive #2 using the phrase "gorilla spring"; if you're using a diaphragm-type replacement clutch you can avoid dealing with the spring.

[John O.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring Install

Hi Paul

If your talking about the large clutch return spring. Yes it is and was a bear to get on. I have a 62 and asked this question before. I was told that you need to spread the spring and put little pieces of metal about 1" x 2" x 1/8" or so thick in between the coils to keep the spring expanded when you release tension.Believe it or not, I used a come along and chain.I attached a chain around a telephone pole.I Put the spring on the chain and attached the other end of the spring to the come along, attached to my truck.Expand the spring to a little longer than what is needed to connect it.. Have a helper. Place the metal pieces in the coils. Release the tension and make sure you have the length. Put the spring on. Now comes the fun part.With the spring in place, carefully pry out the metal pieces.This part took me awhile.As you start removing the metal, it becomes harder.Have a friend press on the clutch pedal to rlease spring tension on the metal pieces.Once there out, the spring is on.It was not easy or fun but it worked for me. If there is an easier way, I would love to hear it.

Good luck...John

[Dennis C.]

Whoa Guys... The Monster Spring will go on...

...fairly easily with only a little planning and a LARGE cresent wrench. The large wrench will overcome the spring force by placing it on the pivot arm that the spring will attach to. Wish I could explain it, but I can't. I could show you tomorrow in my shop in Lyle, WA. Let me just say, it does not require any "special tools" or "voo-doo magic" to install - but, be careful - this spring is strong enough to counter balance a garage door. Glad they got over that in '63... Be careful... Best, Dennis

[Donald Morfield]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring Install

Paul:
If you have access to old issues of the Restorer, you will find fabrication instructions for a tool that can be used to simplify replacement of the clutch return spring---see Volume 14, Number 1, Summer 1987, Pages 21-23. Otherwise, insert a hand full of washers to expand the spring, as suggested by John O.
Donald

[Ray C.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring Install

Hi!

I used washers. I put the spring in a vise and bent it to insert a washer between a coils. I then bent it the other way and inserted another washer between the opposite coils. I continued this process until I could install the spring. I then removed the washers. I now have plenty of washers, but it made the job easy...

Ray

[Edward Boyd]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring Install

As usual, Dennis is right on with his advice: a good sized crescent wrench placed on the end of the bracket will supply more than enough leverage to make removal and installation of this spring an easy task (without shims in the spring).