Classic/Antique Car Repair/63 Nova clutch

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Expert: - 2/7/2010


Question
Endplay on my 1963 3 spd., IL6 Nova clutch was suddenly to the floor.
I adjusted back to 3/4" and the next day, back to the floor.
Replaced the clutch set, reassembled, adjusted, and test drove - all good.
Went out for an errand and half a mile later, pedal right back to the floor.
I can think of nor do I see any reason for this to have happened.
What am I missing????????????????

Answer
Back in the day when this was a used car we ran into this problem a lot. There is a part of the linkage that we referred to as a "Z" bar. The rod from the clutch pedal comes down through the floor to a lever welded on to the "Z" bar. The shaft for the "Z" bar pivots on the frame side rail and on the engine block. On the other end of the "Z" bar there is another lever welded that has a rod that pushed the clutch fork. The welds on the levers start to let go and the clutch looses adjustment. Good luck, keep me posted.
Brad Sears

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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