Clutch Overpsring Install Help...

[Lighthorseman]

Forgive me for such a newbie question, but I'm stumped. I'm trying to convert from a 727 auto to a 4-speed in my '70 Satellite. I have a pedal set, but, for the life of me, cannot figure out how the clutch pedal overspring goes on. Here's what I have:

The spring itself looks to be fairly hefty. I initially assumed that it was to pull the clutch pedal away from the floor, toward the driver's feet. I cannot find any way it would install to do that.

Then there's the little short bar (A). I assume that goes in the hole in the pedal frame, and the "long" end of the spring attaches to it. Is that where it goes? Which end goes where? Is there a clip that holds it in place?

I think I know where the "short" end of the spring (B) goes. I also believe that it attaches with the open part of the hook facing upward. Is this right?

Am I correct to assume that the term "overspring" means that the spring stops the pedal from going too far away from the floor, rather than pull the pedal back toward the floor? Does this mean that springs wothin the clutch will push the clutch pedal toward the driver, and that is the spring to overcome when pushing the clutch pedal in?

If I am completely out to lunch, could someone clue me in? I looked everywhere, but was unable to find any sort of diagram to help me out. Anything would be appreciated.

Thanks!
- Steve -

 

[dpstark2]

It's an over-center spring, which means it assists in either direction when the pedal isn't "centered." When you press the pedal, it will help pull it to the floor after you pass a certain point. When you release the pedal, the clutch force pushes the pedal back up. The spring "helps" pull it up too. If you have no clutch linkage attached, the pedal will go to the floor and stay there unless you pull it up. Watch out, if you do. And be careful with that spring.

 

[conv67bdere]

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Lighthorseman - You don't need to run the over center spring if you have a diaphram (CF) clutch ( that's what I've read ) and that it's hard ( and dangerous ) to put on and take off.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

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Lighthorseman - You don't need to run the over center spring if you have a diaphram (CF) clutch ( that's what I've read ) and that it's hard ( and dangerous ) to put on and take off.

I agree. I left mine off with useing a Centerforce dual friction pressure plate and clutch disc combo ( diaphram type) With all correct linkage, it works great!...............................MO

 

[Coronet 500]

If you clamp the short side hook in a vice and pull the long over to one side it will open the coils.

Put washers in the gaps between the coils then pull it over the other way and add washers to the other side.

This will lengthen the spring and allow it to be hooked in place, the first time the spring is stretched the washers fall out.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Having the pedals out is the best way to install those. You have all the mounting points correct, so move the pedal in the direction of the floor, as if you are stepping on the clutch, until the shaft and pin on the pedal are close enough together, then just attach the spring without any force. Pull the pedal back up against spring tension until you feel it pop (over center) into position. And as mentioned, be very careful putting it in. You may want to wire it in the up position while you are fooling around trying to put that in.

One more note. You don't have to install the complete pedal assy. The main bracket is the same for A/T and manual, so all you really need is that clutch pedal bracket off to the side, the spring parts, longer pedal shaft and of course the narrower brake pedal. But again, putting that spring on with the assy out is the way to go.

 

[Lighthorseman]

Thanks for the replies! I`m going to have another look at it tomorrow.

 

[superbeedave]

I had mine apart about 8 years ago just to put new bushings in. I fought for days to get that spring back on the pin
until it popped in my mind to try the spring tool you use for manual brake shoes and I'll be damn it took me 10 seconds and it popped on. The only problem is finding somewhere to pry or put the tool on while you pull the spring back to hook it on the pin.

 

[396 Signet]

cannot figure out how the clutch pedal overspring goes on.

Then there's the little short bar (A). I assume that goes in the hole in the pedal frame, and the "long" end of the spring attaches to it. Is that where it goes? Which end goes where? Is there a clip that holds it in place?

I think I know where the "short" end of the spring (B) goes. I also believe that it attaches with the open part of the hook facing upward. Is this right?

There's actually an excellent diagram in the service manual that shows the setup. If you're desperate I can scan it. The short end of the spring attaches to the big slot in the bar A which goes through the holes you show. Open end of spring points up. Believe c-clips hold bar A but can't remember, my car's in storage. Other end attaches to pin on pedal.

 

[Lighthorseman]

..."The short end of the spring attaches to the big slot..." - And THAT one piece of advice is what I was missing. I was trying to put the spring in backward. I switched it end for end, and sure enough - it did just "pop right in".

Thanks so much to everyone for all the help! Just in case anyone's wondering - here's how it should look.