Clutch Spring Installation for a 1961

[F1FanWoodsie]

Hello all. My father and I are restoring a 1961 Corvette and we need to install the clutch spring. This is the second time we will have had to put thsi in, and last time we had a great deal of difficulty spreading the spring to get it on. Using very unusual techniques, we finally did, but for our second time around we were hoping to find an easier way to do it.

So what is the easiest way to spread an old clutch spring without buying a spreader tool that we would only use a couple of times?

Thanks!

[Wayne L.]

Re: Clutch Spring Installation for a 1961

I use a 15" crescent wrench to pull the arm over center, then either have someone hold it there, or put something heavy on the wrench like a few bricks. Lay several towels in the inner fender so the paint does not get scratched. Then hook up the linkage. I usually unhook the clutch rod up under the dash before I start. There was a thread here on the discussion board several months ago-you may want to take a look at it.

[Rob M.]

Re: Clutch Spring Installation for a 1961

Put small pieces of metal sheet between each turn of the spring by bending the spring a bit. That way it can easely been streched and installed. When pressing the clutch the small pieces of metal sheet will drop down automaticly ;-)

worked for me!

greetings,
Rob.

[Richard Geiger]

Re: Clutch Spring Installation for a 1961

Some time back this question came up on this site. Someone said to put washers between the spring coils. I've used this method and can tell you it makes it real easy to get the spring on.

[Reed F.]

Re: Clutch Spring Installation for a 1961

I just did the clutch spring in my '59 a month ago and began with the washer, stretching the spring routine, then got smart and looked at what the General suggested. Follow the repair manual. It's a simple matter of installing the lower end of the spring, then the upper, and using a wrench (I used the dreaded adjustable or 'crescent') lever the arm into position to accept the linkage. The wrench provides the mechanical advantage to stretch the so-called 'gorilla spring.' No washers, no comealong to stretch the spring and no headaches.
Reed Flickinger