Replace Clutch Pedal

[Wayne M.]

My '65 L78 has it's original pedal that's cracked (locations shown by stick-on paper on an NOS unit). It's been like this prior to the 20 years I've owned the car --- gear grabbin' Bubbas . But it's getting progressively sloppier and I'm afraid that the pedal will drop off completely someday soon.

Bought an NOS unit (pics) off eBay and decided it's time to R&R. Thought it'd be a simple case of removing retaining clip, sliding the clutch pedal shaft out and inserting the new one. Surprise ! there's not enough room to slide to the left before it contacts the fiberglass of the firewall.

So; am I faced with a major operation here ? Like unbolting master cylinder, removing instrument cluster and steering column, unbolting the brake/clutch bracket assy. from the birdcage support and the firewall and retracting sufficiently to be able to remove said clutch pedal assy ?

Give me the goods; I've got broad shoulders

[Michael H.]

Re: Replace Clutch Pedal

So; am I faced with a major operation here ? Like unbolting master cylinder, removing instrument cluster and steering column, unbolting the brake/clutch bracket assy. from the birdcage support and the firewall and retracting sufficiently to be able to remove said clutch pedal assy ?

Give me the goods; I've got broad shoulders

Wayne,

It's not QUITE that bad. As I remember, the instrument housing does not have to be removed. Only the steering col and brake/clutch brace assy.

I've replaced two of these over the years and it's not as difficult as it first appears.

Excellent time to do a little maintenance behind the cluster though, like replacing bulbs etc.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Replace Clutch Pedal

This might help determine how much stuff you need to remove to get to the shaft.

[Richard S.]

Re: Replace Clutch Pedal

hi wayne; i just did mine 2 weeks ago. first thing i did was remove drivers seat,makes it alot easier to get under dash. 4 bolts holdsupport bracket to firewall, 2 nuts under dash two under hood.also remove cleavace pin holding fork on brake pedal. there are 2 bolts holding support bracket to birdcage.2 bolts holding u bolt around steering colum,2 on bottom bracket that u bolt goes thru abd 2 screws on bottom of dash that hold piece that goes around steering colum.after all these are off you can wiggle and turn supprt bracket enough to get clutch pedal back thru hole,thru spring,clutch pedal and finally thru opposite side hole.took me couple hours but got it done.dont forget new bushings while your at it. good luck

[John H.]

Re: Replace Clutch Pedal

Wayne -

Get a set of the (4) white plastic split bushings for the clutch and brake pedal pivot points and replace/lube them while you're at it - this will be the only opportunity you have to change them.