Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

[Stuart F.]

My son and I switched cars today on a short cruise, and my clutch pedal didn't like his foot and the rubber pad came off. Now this is the original pad and I have never had any sign of any problem or loosening of it in 45 years. It seems to be cracked in both lower corners. I tried to slip it back on, but it would not go easy w/o a tool. Even then, I suspect I will have to warm it in the Florida sun tommorrow if I try again, and use a pry tool.

Anyone have any advice or suggestions from your experience?

Should I just replace it? or, can/should I use some adhesive on it?

I've never had to replace a pad in my 69 years of protected life, and this one still looks plenty good w/o wear to speak of.

Stu Fox

[John H.]

Re: Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

Stu -

My experience has been that once the original pedal pads are worn out and must be replaced, the reproductions are molded from a much lower durometer rubber (softer), and the retention tabs on the back don't grip the pedal anywhere near as well as the originals. I regularly pull the lower outboard corner of my clutch pedal pad up off the pedal with the inboard edge of my left shoe, and I never had that issue with the originals on any of my midyears. The fix is probably some 3M weatherstrip adhesive, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

I wish someone would make the reproduction pedal pads from the same durometer rubber as the originals. In the plant, we had an air-powered tool on the off-line pedal support subassembly bench fixture with four "claws" on it that spread the four retention tabs while we positioned the pad on the pedal, then the air was vented from the tool, the "claws" retracted, and the tool was removed.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

John;

Thanks for the information. Being as how the "tread" of the pad on mine still looks good, I think I will try to save it for now, but will probably order a replacement set to have on hand if I can't make it work. I have some old tubes of weather strip cement on the shelf, but suspect they may have turned to rock by now and will needto get some new stuff.

Today was the first time I drove my son's 78 P.C. for any distance and it just doesn't have the same feel/feedback as my C-2 - what with the power brakes and steering, mushy clutch, and cross member mounted shift linkage. With a C-2, it seems you wear it and you become a part of it. You feel the engine and the road with your feet on the pedals and with your hands on the wheel and the shift lever.

Thanks again for your response.

Stu Fox

[Richard S.]

Re: Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

glue the original back on stuart. i am on my third repo clutch pedal pad and second brake pedal pad after ten thousand miles of driving. richard

[Stuart F.]

Re: Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

Richard;

Thanks. That is exactly what I will do. I looked thru my tool box last night and found a couple tools I believe I can use to put it back on, and I will get some new weather stripping glue, apply it on the metal first, then work it back on.

I learned my lesson; never let a C-3 owner drive my C-2. Don't know yet if it is in the difference in seating positions, or their laz-a-faire approach to clutch use where they slip or slide their foot off the pedal. Us old timers who went through the power shifting era know that you actuate the clutch pedal up and down as straight and rapid as possible. You often ride your foot on the pedal to the extent that you take the play out of the linkage as you make your upshifts and downshifts.

Stu Fox

[Edward S.]

Re: Clutch Pedal Pad, Save or Replace

Stu,
Both my original pads were shot and I ordered repros - found it to be a waste of time. They are made of such soft rubber that a. They kept sliding off, b. They wear out in no time. I got tired of it all and bid on a pair of originals still in the bags - I got them though it did run me a few bucks, Worth the extra bucks - to make sure they last as long as possible I bought black infant socks with the elastic tops and slip them on & off when I get to shows. Works well.