1966 clutch fork R&R

[Richard L.]

Does anyone know how to R&R a clutch fork on the car, without removing the trans and bell housing?
Seems like this should be simple, but apparently not for me...

[Gary B.]

Re: 1966 clutch fork R&R

Richard,

What aspect(s) of your clutch fork are you trying to repair or restore?

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 clutch fork R&R

Does anyone know how to R&R a clutch fork on the car, without removing the trans and bell housing?
Seems like this should be simple, but apparently not for me...

Richard------

There is no way that the clutch fork can be removed and replaced without removing the transmission and bellhousing. Actually, I cannot see any reason for removing the clutch fork alone.

[Paul D.]

Re: 1966 clutch fork R&R

You may not have to remove the bellhousing, although I think the clutch disc and pressure plate will get in the way, but the trans will definitely have to come out. I would recommend removing the bellhousing so as to more easily inspect the pivot ball for wear without removing it. Chip.

[Richard L.]

Re: 1966 clutch fork R&R

Clutch fork is the wrong P/N. Though it fits, it does not have the proper amount of "crook" to it. The result is that I cannot adjust the clutch play/disengage as needed.
I ended up getting a new fork, and would like to replace it without removing the trans and bellhousing.

Your next question will be, "how did the wrong fork get in there to begin with?"
Did a frame-off restoration, replacing the engine and rebuilding the trans at the same time. I replaced the fork with one I thought was correct before I buttoned it all back together and put the body back on....
So now you know...Nuts!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 clutch fork R&R

Clutch fork is the wrong P/N. Though it fits, it does not have the proper amount of "crook" to it. The result is that I cannot adjust the clutch play/disengage as needed.
I ended up getting a new fork, and would like to replace it without removing the trans and bellhousing.

Your next question will be, "how did the wrong fork get in there to begin with?"
Did a frame-off restoration, replacing the engine and rebuilding the trans at the same time. I replaced the fork with one I thought was correct before I buttoned it all back together and put the body back on....
So now you know...Nuts!

Richard-------

Corvette clutch forks are unique in that they have a pin-and-clevis attachment (EXCEPT 1963) for the fork push rod. Other Chevrolet models use a ball-and-seat style of attachment. (1963 Corvette also uses the ball-and-seat).

However, there are 2 different basic configuration Corvette forks------the 1955-62 type and the 1965-81 type. They look similar but they are definitely not functionally interchangeable. I expect that you have the 55-62 style fork installed.

As I mentioned previously, I don't know of a way to remove and install a clutch fork without removal of the transmission and bellhousing. Maybe someone's done it but I don't know of a way. It likely can be done by removal of the transmission only as Paul suggested. However, once you have the transmission out, most of the work has been done. Six more relatively easily accessible bolts and the bellhousing is out.