Tom Kochtanek
03-17-2005, 11:17 AM
I am having problems determining the correct parts for actuating the clutch pedal / bellcrank mechanism. This is for a 1962 Chevy build started was born with a Powerglide, but is now getting a four speed conversion. I am using a combination of parts from local vehicles, Ebay acquisitions, and some direct parts ordering.
Here’s what I am attempting to use:
Clutch/brake pedal for 4 speed extracted from 1961 Chevy Impala, possibly a factory setup. Not the exact same bolt on pattern as the 1962 single brake pedal PG setup I removed from the car, but it was easy enough to install after some simple mods. Seems to operate OK, but is missing the cross bar that the clutch stop pad sits on. I have a spare.
Have all the correct clutch linkage setup, the rods and springs and such: Clutch pedal push rod through firewall (62-64 specific), Clutch fork pushrod, that sort of stuff, along with springs and fasteners.
It’s the Bellcrank angles that are getting me confused. I have tried to fit up three distinctly different bellcranks (call them “Z-bars” if you must!) and NONE of them seems to fit the bill (see pics attached).
The first one is from the 1961 Chevy, and it fits the worst, angle being 135 degrees and the ends being 1961 specific. I expected this would be a bad fit, as the bellcranks on the 1961 are pretty unique.
The second and third ones are repops, one from Ebay, the other from a reputable parts dealer. Both were sold as “1962 specific” bellcranks, supposedly at 150 degrees, but they are definitely at different angles (see pics of #2 and #3 from L to R). I am willing to modify them as needed. Also will modify rod lengths if needed. I am just puzzled by the resulting angles between the rods and the bellcrank, both from the pedal and to the clutch fork.
Here’s what I think. I think bellcrank #2 if from a 1962 alright, but it may have been from a SB build, not 409 specific. Is there a difference in bellcranks for the 283/327 series and the 409? I suspect so. Also, I think bellcrank #3, a repop, was made wrong. The end tabs are the correct length and spaced properly from the ends, but they were welded at what appears to be the wrong angle. I could be wrong, but given the factory rods, the positioning of the bellcrank, and the connections leading from the pedal to the bellcrank, it just seems out of whack (by like 30 degrees). What am I missing here?
I wish I had a parts car with a complete 1962 setup so I could use it as a reference. I do have a 1961 BA that has 3-on-the-tree and a complete mechanism in place, but that is 1961 specific, right?
Call me confused, I don’t know. I am determined to solve this regardless of the fabrication required. Any comments or suggestions are most appreciated. Pictures are welcome. Visitations are encouraged :).
Cheers,
TomK
Here’s what I am attempting to use:
Clutch/brake pedal for 4 speed extracted from 1961 Chevy Impala, possibly a factory setup. Not the exact same bolt on pattern as the 1962 single brake pedal PG setup I removed from the car, but it was easy enough to install after some simple mods. Seems to operate OK, but is missing the cross bar that the clutch stop pad sits on. I have a spare.
Have all the correct clutch linkage setup, the rods and springs and such: Clutch pedal push rod through firewall (62-64 specific), Clutch fork pushrod, that sort of stuff, along with springs and fasteners.
It’s the Bellcrank angles that are getting me confused. I have tried to fit up three distinctly different bellcranks (call them “Z-bars” if you must!) and NONE of them seems to fit the bill (see pics attached).
The first one is from the 1961 Chevy, and it fits the worst, angle being 135 degrees and the ends being 1961 specific. I expected this would be a bad fit, as the bellcranks on the 1961 are pretty unique.
The second and third ones are repops, one from Ebay, the other from a reputable parts dealer. Both were sold as “1962 specific” bellcranks, supposedly at 150 degrees, but they are definitely at different angles (see pics of #2 and #3 from L to R). I am willing to modify them as needed. Also will modify rod lengths if needed. I am just puzzled by the resulting angles between the rods and the bellcrank, both from the pedal and to the clutch fork.
Here’s what I think. I think bellcrank #2 if from a 1962 alright, but it may have been from a SB build, not 409 specific. Is there a difference in bellcranks for the 283/327 series and the 409? I suspect so. Also, I think bellcrank #3, a repop, was made wrong. The end tabs are the correct length and spaced properly from the ends, but they were welded at what appears to be the wrong angle. I could be wrong, but given the factory rods, the positioning of the bellcrank, and the connections leading from the pedal to the bellcrank, it just seems out of whack (by like 30 degrees). What am I missing here?
I wish I had a parts car with a complete 1962 setup so I could use it as a reference. I do have a 1961 BA that has 3-on-the-tree and a complete mechanism in place, but that is 1961 specific, right?
Call me confused, I don’t know. I am determined to solve this regardless of the fabrication required. Any comments or suggestions are most appreciated. Pictures are welcome. Visitations are encouraged :).
Cheers,
TomK