Wretched Roadster - Surprise 1 in a series of ?

[David in San Antonio]

Currently pulling the engine from the Wretched Roadster. It was “restored” 1957-1959. Pulled the clutch & brake pedals off the shaft and found they have no bushings. The shaft diameter is stepped, the outer section is correct diameter but the pedal section is larger than stock to accommodate the pedals without bushings. Also it is attached to the bell housing by a screw instead of a pin. I’m guessing the hole was tapped. The screw won’t unscrew (so far.) The pedals wiggle a bit, not much. When we have the bell housing out we’ll investigate from the inside.
I’m trying to imagine the state of parts availability 58 years ago. Clearly some effort was expended. Maybe a shaft was turned on a lathe.
Stay tuned for more discoveries.

[Bruce of MN]

Was a new shaft easier to make than new bushings?

[David in San Antonio]

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Was a new shaft easier to make than new bushings?

I know! Seems illogical. But maybe it’s a logical response to a weird set of circumstances?

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Was a new shaft easier to make than new bushings?

Yes - easier/quicker to turn the OD on a chunk of steel lying around than boring some oil-lite you probably had to order then turning the OD and pressing it in - followed up with reaming the bushing. Today it's easy to order a stock bushing size on the internet and have it delivered within a couple days.

[katy]

Originally Posted by David in San Antonio

The screw won’t unscrew (so far.)

Try a hand-held impact driver, w/a good fitting bit.

[David in San Antonio]

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Katy - Sounds like a better approach than drilling from the backside. Also the perfect excuse to buy another tool!
Actually I’m not convinced I should replace it because the “pin hole” is (presumably) threaded. So it would mean filling it and drilling it out. Or getting another bell housing. I’m thinking the bushing-less pedals have only worn a tiny amount in 65 years. The car was driven ( by the family of the previous owner) many thousands of miles. This is based on evidence of two separate trips from Pittsburgh to (and around!) the Indianapolis Speedway several years apart, a gas station folding map, photos from MARC meets in Dearborn and notes from the previous owner, the son of the man who restored it in 1957. Also influencing the decision to fix or not is the fact that it’s already blowing my budget to smithereens! Sound familiar to anyone? Hahahaha

[katy]

Originally Posted by David in San Antonio

The pedals wiggle a bit, not much.

Does it have to be perfect? If not, leave it alone.