Need help, problem with pedal bushings.

68stang351

Founding Member
May 16, 2002
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Savoy TX
I decided I was going to fix the slop in my 68 coupe's clutch and brake pedals, but when I got the clutch pedal out, I noticed that the pedal support (I guess that's what you would call it, goes between the dash and the firewall, where the pedal pivot goes through) where the bushings go is wore out. The hole is no longer round, but oblong.

The only fix I see is to replace the whole support, along with all the bushings. Is this right? Has anyone else had to do this? I thought it would be a quick fix to just replace the bushings, but boy was I wrong. Now I have to remove the column and order more crap.
 
Been there, done that. Instead of replacing the pedal support, just use the Drake roller kit. If the shaft is OK, use the plain kit, if the shaft is bad, there is a kit with a new one. With a little effort, you might get lucky and fix this with the support in the car. And I can tell you, the clutch will be easier and smoother that you ever thought possible.

This will help-

Mustang Clutch Assist Spring Removal and Installation
 
Here is what I did using the Mustang Steve kit--it replaces the supports bushings:

pic7.webp


Here is the write up of my installation:
http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/transmission-articles/481163-ball-bearing-clutch-pedal-support.html
 
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Thanks. You're always helpful. What I'm worried about is even if I replace all that, I'm worried that the pivot rod will break through the big bushing, since that big round bushing will be put into an oblong hole.
The Drake kit replaces the white metal eye in the support with a steel eye. Has the steel of the bracket been damaged, too? If so, you'll need the kit with a new pedal shaft.
 
Decided to go ahead and take it out today. Judging by the sticker on it, it's been replaced before. I will definitely need a new shaft, it is cut almost halfway through! Edit: I just saw on the Mustang Steve link a pic of one about the same shape, they said it was still fixable.

My concern at this point is if the hole is too oblong for any of the above kits to repair it.

pedal1.webp

pedal2.webp
 
i am going to use roller bearings & sleeve from a local store, so replacement bearings are easily accessible. a quadrant/adj. cable from a fox body, and fab clutch pedal. that mustang steve kit looks like a quality stuff, but little over priced.
 
The mustang steve ball bearing convesion may be more expensive than piecing it together yourself, but it works, and is relatively easy to do. Superior to the plastic bushings ford used. i really didn't think it was all that expensive.
 
I might could piece it together myself, but I know with the Mustang Steve kit it is proven and I want the car going again soon, I don't want to wait around while I try to piece it all together on my own.

I don't have time for that, I'm ready to hit the track!
 
dont get me wrong, i would prefer to buy complete kits as well ! i am just too broke to buy everything new hahaha


I hear you. I actually like trying to make things like that on my own, to see if I can do it, and to be able to say I made it. I had a lot of fun with putting my Autometer gauges in my factory bezel, but it was way cheaper than a JME setup. That's what got me started doing things like that on my own. If I want something that I can build cheaper than I can buy, I'll build it.

I'm just kind of in a hurry right now.
 
I hear you. I actually like trying to make things like that on my own, to see if I can do it, and to be able to say I made it. I had a lot of fun with putting my Autometer gauges in my factory bezel, but it was way cheaper than a JME setup. That's what got me started doing things like that on my own. If I want something that I can build cheaper than I can buy, I'll build it.

I'm just kind of in a hurry right now.


i am looking at doing this as well... can you get some pics up or pm me details?
 
I hear you. I actually like trying to make things like that on my own, to see if I can do it, and to be able to say I made it. I had a lot of fun with putting my Autometer gauges in my factory bezel, but it was way cheaper than a JME setup. That's what got me started doing things like that on my own. If I want something that I can build cheaper than I can buy, I'll build it.

I'm just kind of in a hurry right now.[/quote
I hear you. I actually like trying to make things like that on my own, to see if I can do it, and to be able to say I made it. I had a lot of fun with putting my Autometer gauges in my factory bezel, but it was way cheaper than a JME setup. That's what got me started doing things like that on my own. If I want something that I can build cheaper than I can buy, I'll build it.

I'm just kind of in a hurry right now.
once you start fabricating you can never stop lol i have a miller TIG machine and various metal fab tools + a friend who runs a cnc machine, so i can pretty much make anything lol if i think is worth taking the time to save some cash, or if i want something but dont really like anything available from aftermarket, i modify an existing design and make it the way i want it !
 
Done!

This is the only (crappy) pic I have of it now, I will probably post a better pic tomorrow after I put it in.
I can't wait. This is the only thing stopping me from getting some damn timeslips!!!!!


clutch.webp


It seems like it's going to be very nice with my cable setup. I won't know really until Sunday because I'm going to Goodguys tomorrow (in the 90GT) and then the track tomorrow night, so I won't get it together until Sunday.