Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

Just popping in for a quick update. Nothing much has changed on my truck since my last update.

I ran into a problem tonight. While driving around today I noticed that the clutch started to feel off. It almost felt spongey. I ignored it and figured it must've been my left leg acting up again. Later on the clutch stopped functioning altogether. I had to float the gears to get my truck home.

Upon visual inspection it looks like my bell crank bushings have disintegrated. I think I already found some replacements, but I'd really like to see if I can get some bronze or brass bushings instead of plastic.

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

Sorry, but in my old age I have forgotten or never knew what bell crank bushings are.
Edit: Ah, perhaps for the TO bearing shaft.

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

The bell crank is what connects your clutch pedal to the clutch fork via two rods. It rides on 2 ball studs; one mounted to the engine block and one on the frame. The bushings sandwich the ball studs to keep the crank sturdy and centered as it pivots. I've attached pictures that hopefully help show what I'm describing

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

A mechanical clutch, I guess.
When did 1500's change from hydraulic?

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to that. My 65-66 service manual shows that hydraulic clutch may not have been an option in those years for the 1000-2500 trucks. Only the 3500-5000 had the option for hydraulic clutches. I could be wrong on that, but that's what I've gathered from reading through the service manual.

I do know it is possible to convert from a mechanical to a hydraulic clutch in our trucks. CaptainFab sells a conversion kit for it, and I plan to do so when I eventually install a TR4050 transmission.

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

The bushings were damaged. But unfortunately that is not the only issue I have to solve. The crank is also damaged. A large crack has formed at the base of the arm that pushes on the the clutch fork. It has deformed the body of the crank slightly.

Replacement is probably not going to be a viable option. I have to find a way to repair this. I do not have access to any welding equipment.



To view some links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Maybe you should introduce yourself with a new topic?





To view some links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Maybe you should introduce yourself with a new topic?

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

Well that's a turd pile of luck! Being that it's not too big, you can probably get it welded at a local trade school cheap. Or ask for a reliable welder at the local welding supply. In sparks, looks like there's one off Spice Island Dr. Anyone behind the counter should be able to point you to a guy.

Re: "Papa Smurf" - 1966 GMC 1500 Custom
 

Talking with them did not go as planned. Arguably it went better.

Now I own a welder than can do MIG and flux core. And I spent the night laying down a few boogers. My only experience with welding is doing some acetylene welding back in college. That's a little bit different than what I'm doing now. I'm going to keep practicing until I can get consistent. Then I will try to repair and reinforce my z-bar.

Feel free to make fun of my welds. I feel like I'm just starting to get the hang of the machine settings, but I still need to work on steadying myself. I'm practicing on some leftover 1/8" flat bar that I used to make my coolant reservoir.