Pedal To The Metal Or Not - Problem Solver Tech

We started our disassembly with the brake pedal return spring. That was followed by the retaining clip, spring link, pin and brakelight switch.

Next we flipped over the unit, loosened and removed the nut...

...then slid out the main bolt that acts as the pivot for both the clutch and brake pedals.

Greased nylon bushings and spacers are employed for the pivots of the clutch and brake pedals. Shown here is the brake pedal assembly, but our clutch pedal was similar. Surprisingly for both pedals, the nylon bushings were all in great shape, despite the minimal grease remaining.

Here we can clearly see the worn and elongated hole in our clutch pedal.

After disassembly and inspection, we thoroughly cleaned all components. For us, nothing works better than bead blasting to get the dirt and rust off, and that included the rubber pedal bumper. We simply cleaned the nylon bushings with degreaser. Here are all the parts in their naked glory.

Our first step in fixing the clutch pedal was to carefully measure the size of the hole and its position. The large diameter measurement (in comparison to the clutch rod size) is what got us thinking there may have been a bushing involved.

Here's the illustration from our factory '66 GTO/Tempest/LeMans GM service manual. Note that it shows what appears to be a bushing in the clutch pedal hole for the clutch rod. Despite our attempts, we could not find a reproduction or GM replacement part for this bushing. Illustration Courtesy of GM.

Next, we welded up the existing damaged hole.