1961 clutch rod hole location

[Harwyn B.]

I hung the clutch and brake pedals on my '61 and I'm now trying to locate the hole for the clutch rod, retainer and seal. I did a lot of repair to the floor board area and firewall and now I cannot find the exact (or even approximate) location of the clutch rod hole. I either glassed in the hole or I was provided a floorboard section from an automatic transmission. Would someone provide me with the precise location to place the hole for the clutch rod or tell me where to find the applicable documentation? Thanks.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

If that dimension is any place, it would be in the AIM.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Here is a 1960 showing the location which may give you a idea. I can't get dimensions as this is a file photo. Notice the gray felt seal with a slotted vertical hole and 2 screws on either side, which are used to attach the seal retainer.

In 1961 & 1962 I believe the seal retainer was mounted engine side. Earlier years had the retainer mounted in the interior side. This required it to be installed before the interior firewall insulation was installed.

[Harwyn B.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Yah Dennis.....the AIM's pretty big. Any page numbers come to mind 'cause I can't find 'em. And Rich M., you're right...the AIM shows on pg A104 (Sec. 6, Sheet 7) the retainer and seal being mounted from the engine side. Just no dimensions. Anyone have any ideas? Anyone have their '61 or '62 engine compartment available?

[Larry C.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Harwyn

Here is iphone photo of my 62 firewall. Not a great pic but it shows the clutch rod hole at 4 inches (+/- in fractions) from the vertical center line of hole for steering column and 1/2 " to 3/4" above the crest or bend in the firewall panel. Maybe this will help.

Larry

[Dino L.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

No Dimensions, but good visual

[Harwyn B.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Thanks to those who responded. Between Larry's pretty precise measurements and Rich's pic, I managed to find on my engine side firewall, one small dimple where a screw must have been. Taking the middle of the retainer slots as an average, I guessed as to the location of the other screw hole and drilled the clutch rod hole in between the both of them. It's in. At least the retainer. the hole may need to be elongated, one way or the other but I'm close. Thanks again.

[Carl R.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

If you look at Mr.Lanno's picture, the big hole to the right of where the clutch rod comes out is the parking break cable hole. If you measure from the edge of the big hole over towards the center of the car 4 and 3/4 inches and level with the center of the big hole, this is where the clutch rod comes out of the fire wall. I have a "62"

[Harwyn B.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Thanks Carl. First of all thanks for your great pics. I'm amazed how much information is available from the forum if we just ask! In your first pic does the fibre seal show through the inside of the driver's side firewall and insulation? Is there any grommet around the rod from the inside of the firewall, or is a hole just cut through the insulation to accommodate the rod? I'm also amazed how every step seems to generate even more questions.

[Carl R.]

Re: 1961 clutch rod hole location

Hi Mr Berens, the top picture is what it looks like from the inside of the car. The fiber seal does not show through to the inside of the car. the Fire wall insulation on the inside covers some of the hole as per picture. There is no rubber grommet in the hole or on the rod, just the felt seal that is mounted on the out side of the fire wall in the engine bay as per picture#2. When you get the new fiber pad that goes in the holder it should have a small slit in the felt, but you may have to enlarge the opening to make it more round or adjust it up or down to fit your clutch rod position so that there is not to much drag there which could pull the felt. You want the felt to fit around the rod snug but not too tight. If you look at the felt holder screws you will see that it can be adjusted left and right to help fit your rod location.