66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

[Rob M.]

I replaced the clutch rod boot on my 66 today. The original was virtually gone except for the base and screws. The reproduction boot fits over the rod and is very snug, so the question is - should the rod slide in and out of the boot while shifting? Or, will it be so snug that the boot compresses/decompresses with each shift? Does it even matter?

Thanks,
Rob

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

Rob,

Supposedly, the original design allowed the boot to function as a bellows, extending/compressing with the clutch rod movement. If it were designed to slide over the rod, there would have been no need for the extended length of the boot. They never did last very long when new though.

[Rob M.]

Re: 66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

Michael,

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess the reproduction is working as originally intended, because it is acting just like a bellows. The last time I got caught n the rain, my left foot got really wet (jeez, I wonder why). The new boot certainly should help stop that problem. Now I'll only have to worry about the water leaking from the top.

Regards,
Rob

[John D.]

Re: 66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

Michael, Does a 63 have a differnt boot than a 66??? I think I have a SR on my car as bought it on ebay one time. Seems like everything I buy for the white car turns out to be SR. Then have to buy the same part two-three times. Need more good pics of these goodies. Today I tried to bring up the subject of ATwood's at our chapter meet but the guys told me to shut up about the thing. No respect. Hope they all have wrong ones with black washers. Jr.

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

Yup, 63 is different than the 66 boot. If I remember correctly, the design changed in the mid 65 model run. The 63-E65 used two screws and a separate metal retainer. L65-67 used a one piece with the retainer molded in and three screws. The 63-E65 boot hasn't been available for many decades.

[John D.]

Re: 66 Clutch Rod Boot Question

Michael, It seems that everything is different on 63's. Next time I gonna restore 66 up because they easier.Say that because all my SR parts from GM seem to be for a 66. Flags, boot, etc. So the 63 to E65 clutch rod boot is a rare thing then. My car then has to have an SR. Oh well. AT least the clutch works good even though the rubber is the wrong one. I will have to look up the part number of my rubber boot and compare it with the later style. Course if RJ wants to do this that would be nice. Or maybe JL wants to do it as he is behind on the DB. Thanks again, Jr.