47 Super Deluxe Clutch Catching Question

[Kelly Burns]

I have a '47 Super Deluxe, with a flathead V8 and 3 speed. The car is an unrestored driver quality, that I bought about a month ago. I've not started to dive into it this issue yet, I have not had the time, but thought I would ask for advice/guidance in advance.

The clutch and trans shifts smooth into all gears, no noticeable slippage or problems there. However when I push the clutch in, right before the pedal is completing to the floor, it kind of "catches" or acts as if it hits a detent in the stroke. When I let the clutch out, I kinda have to roll my foot to get it to release or come past the catch in the pedal stroke. What do you think it could be?

[Bruce_MO]

Rubbing on the floorboard??? I’m nearing completion of a restoration of my ‘46 Mercury, and I had issues with the clutch pedal rubbing on the floorboard when the pedal was close to the floor. I couldn’t realign the floorboard to give more clearance, so I whittled on the floorboard a bit with a hacksaw blade to open up the hole on one side. When I pushed the clutch pedal in, there was an obvious scraping sound and a noticeable drag. Not sure if you have any slop or wear in the pedal bushing. That might be contributing to your issue.

[1942deluxe]

If it's catching on the floorboard most likely the bushings are worn out on the arm. Floorboard removal and the worst part is removing the snap ring the holds the arm in.
Just replaced the bushings on my 46. Also replace the foam rubber seals on the clutch and brake pedals while you are there.

[Kelly Burns]

Originally Posted by Bruce_MO

Rubbing on the floorboard??? I’m nearing completion of a restoration of my ‘46 Mercury, and I had issues with the clutch pedal rubbing on the floorboard when the pedal was close to the floor. I couldn’t realign the floorboard to give more clearance, so I whittled on the floorboard a bit with a hacksaw blade to open up the hole on one side. When I pushed the clutch pedal in, there was an obvious scraping sound and a noticeable drag. Not sure if you have any slop or wear in the pedal bushing. That might be contributing to your issue.

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

If it's catching on the floorboard most likely the bushings are worn out on the arm. Floorboard removal and the worst part is removing the snap ring the holds the arm in.
Just replaced the bushings on my 46. Also replace the foam rubber seals on the clutch and brake pedals while you are there.

I'll check on both of those situations. The pedal action is smooth and easy without any rubbing sound tho.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Kelly Burns

I have a '47 Super Deluxe, with a flathead V8 and 3 speed. The car is an unrestored driver quality, that I bought about a month ago. I've not started to dive into it this issue yet, I have not had the time, but thought I would ask for advice/guidance in advance.

The clutch and trans shifts smooth into all gears, no noticeable slippage or problems there. However when I push the clutch in, right before the pedal is completing to the floor, it kind of "catches" or acts as if it hits a detent in the stroke. When I let the clutch out, I kinda have to roll my foot to get it to release or come past the catch in the pedal stroke. What do you think it could be?

Did you crawl beneath the car when a partner operates the pedal?
I'm thinking the spring is either missing or is installed incorrectly and it (the spring) is either getting slightly caught or hitting something.

[Kelly Burns]

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Originally Posted by Kube

Did you crawl beneath the car when a partner operates the pedal?
I'm thinking the spring is either missing or is installed incorrectly and it (the spring) is either getting slightly caught or hitting something.

Not yet, my son will be here this weekend, and having him operate the pedal was going to be my starting point. Thanks to you, I know the spring is a place start, thank you!

[Kelly Burns]

We spent a little time yesterday diving into this. It is an odd problem, but not all that hard to fix. What is happening is there is about a 2" rubber hose/line where the fuel line transitions from along the frame, to vertically up the firewall. The elbow in the clutch pedal is hitting the top edge of the hose, pushing the fuel line to the side. When you let off the clutch the fuel line goes back into "place".