Clutch return spring bracking

[Red 409 63 impala]

About a year ago I installed the clutch return spring on my 63 impala (409) it was an exact replacement from Showcars # 1080. It appeared to work fine. Goes from the z bar to the firewall. Next day or so when I looked under the hood noticed it broke. Last week I ordered another exact same thing happened, again broke in the exact same place, and again broke with no clutch pedal being pressed. It is installed exact as per the assembly manual. Anyone else had this occur to them?

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Seems really strange that it would break in the exact same place. Especially if you purchased it from the same place that sources it products from the same supplier. Maybe a defective run?

 

[pvs409]

I had one break also from Show Cars about 4/5 years ago.
Paul

 

[DonSSDD]

Ask show cars, they are pretty honest.

 

[johnnyriviera]

I had one break too. Sourced a close looking/feeling one from the hardware store. Works great.

 

[Red 409 63 impala]

Update...I noticed the spring broke again. This car has yet to be on the road. Just driven around the property. This is the third spring that broke. Showcars did ship it out as a replacement for free. Linkage is all factory nothing fabricated, This makes the third that broke in the exact spot.

 

[DonSSDD]

Call them to discuss and send them pics of all 3 springs. If correctly installed it has to be bad manufacturing. Get them to send 2 more for free, they are not expensive.
Problem with sourcing another spring locally is finding one the same length and correct tension.

 

[1964SuperStocker]

Call them to discuss and send them pics of all 3 springs. If correctly installed it has to be bad manufacturing. Get them to send 2 more for free, they are not expensive.
Problem with sourcing another spring locally is finding one the same length and correct tension.

The "same length and correct tension" is subjective. Some people like a firm feel and some do not. The length only matters if it fits in the correct location and does its job. My clutch car has a hardware store special and I never had any issues with it.

 

[wristpin]

As soon as your next spring arrives have someone depress foot then you measure length of spring. Then pull spring and attach one end to something and other end to 5 gallon bucket handle. Add sand or broken ford parts to bucket until that spring is same length as depressed pedal length. That gives you spring tension you need. Now go to a harware store with your bucket of sand or ford parts and test springs on the spot. Buy 2 springs so you have a spare in the car.
Dont forget to get duct tape.

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Add sand or broken ford parts to bucket until QUOTE]

 

[1964SuperStocker]

As soon as your next spring arrives have someone depress foot then you measure length of spring. Then pull spring and attach one end to something and other end to 5 gallon bucket handle. Add sand or broken ford parts to bucket until that spring is same length as depressed pedal length. That gives you spring tension you need. Now go to a harware store with your bucket of sand or ford parts and test springs on the spot. Buy 2 springs so you have a spare in the car.
Dont forget to get duct tape.

I used my fish scale. Worked like magic but that was 20 years ago. Probably should look at getting a new one but it still works.

 

[wristpin]

I used my fish scale. Worked like magic but that was 20 years ago. Probably should look at getting a new one but it still works.

If the scale reads heavier than fish actually weigh id keep it.

 

[mark johnson]

Sounds like it’s worth keeping a spare in the glovebox once you find a good one just to be safe!

 

[Red 409 63 impala]

I just installed number 4...purchased from another vendor...we will see what happens.

 

[wristpin]

I just installed number 4...purchased from another vendor...we will see what happens.

Are they all breaking at the same spot? Got pics of broken springs?

 

[Red 409 63 impala]

Here are three broken springs...all brake in the same spot

 

[La Hot Rods]

Is it going through some undo stress when you install them?

 

[409gang]

As soon as your next spring arrives have someone depress foot then you measure length of spring. Then pull spring and attach one end to something and other end to 5 gallon bucket handle. Add sand or broken ford parts to bucket until that spring is same length as depressed pedal length. That gives you spring tension you need. Now go to a harware store with your bucket of sand or ford parts and test springs on the spot. Buy 2 springs so you have a spare in the car.
Dont forget to get duct tape.

 

[55Brodie]

Tum ting wong.

 

[IMBVSUR?]

Tum ting wong.

I'm going to have to piggy back off you Brodie. Tum Spring Wong