Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: vinnietbird on July 22, 2014, 07:11:18 AM

Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 22, 2014, 07:11:18 AM
For me, I have always disliked how close the clutch and brake pedals are. I'm always tapping the edge of the brake pedal when I push the clutch or my feet rub if I am using both pedals, so, I thought about it for a few days and came up with an idea. I bought some small square tubing, and did some cutting and shaping and made a spacer. I then took a second clutch pedestal lever, and cut off what I needed. I removed the clutch pedal lever from the Sport, and went to work. I first drilled the holes I needed through the spacer, and the two clutch pedal levers that all lined up, and kept the actual pedal of the lever at the same height. Once I had the fit right, I removed the lower part of the  Sport's clutch lever, and bolted on the "new" clutch pedal section and spacer. It moved the clutch pedal to the left a little over an inch which actually made a on of difference, and the work I did is all painted black, and hidden by the dash, although if it showed, it wouldn't be noticed. Now that I am happy with the assembly, it will all be tack welded together, although I'm sure the fasteners I used would hold just fine. Pics coming later.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Kitz Kat on July 23, 2014, 02:26:16 PM
I don't have a problem with the clutch pedal, it's the brake and gas. With my boots on it gets stuck under the brake pedal. Thank god for 2 feet.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: CoogarXR on July 23, 2014, 02:28:56 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;436272
I don't have a problem with the clutch pedal, it's the brake and gas. With my boots on it gets stuck under the brake pedal. Thank god for 2 feet.
Not to thread-jack, but I have this problem too!
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 23, 2014, 03:59:14 PM
I have three letters for you: AOD:p
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: 50tbrd88 on July 23, 2014, 04:44:01 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;436277
I have three letters for you: AOD:p

When my car was AOD I still couldn't stand to drive it wearing boots.  The  pedals are way too close together.  One of the only real complaints I've ever had about my 'bird.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Haystack on July 23, 2014, 05:02:56 PM
I agree the gas and brake are way too close. i seriously though about modifying mine when i did my t-5 swap, but time was an issue then. i ocassionally get my steel toes stuck under the break, but i wear a 15 wide...
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 23, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
How tall/big are you/ your feet that you keep hitting both pedals? Or what boots are you guys buying? I'm 5'9", 150, with a size 9.5 shoe and I can touch one pedal without hitting the other one. Of course I always were shoes when I drive.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: V8Demon on July 23, 2014, 07:50:47 PM
6' 190 size 10.5 shoe.  I actually have yet to find another car where my feet are so comfortable.  I can go back & forth between the gas and brake in traffic easily.  The pedals are the right height from the floor as well.  I notice that my S197 pedal height does a number on my ankles on a long journey.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 23, 2014, 11:00:26 PM
It would be easy to move the brake pedal as i did the clutch. If it's an AOD car, only one pedal to move. 5 speed, gotta do them both. I have had no issues yet. I just got my new clutch and brake pedal pads as well. I ordered them from 5.0resto...they have "5.0" on each one. Now to get the 5 speed Mustang gas pedal in. I've had it for 5 years on the shelf.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: 50tbrd88 on July 24, 2014, 01:15:16 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;436285
How tall/big are you/ your feet that you keep hitting both pedals? Or what boots are you guys buying? I'm 5'9", 150, with a size 9.5 shoe and I can touch one pedal without hitting the other one. Of course I always were shoes when I drive.

lol...I'm only 6' 4" 215 lbs and wear a little ole size 14.  I guess that could be part of my problem, huh?  Tennis shoes are fine, but boots are really dangerous for me to wear and drive the 'bird.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 24, 2014, 02:33:02 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;436322
lol...I'm only 6' 4" 215 lbs and wear a little ole size 14.  I guess that could be part of my problem, huh?  Tennis shoes are fine, but boots are really dangerous for me to wear and drive the 'bird.

See another reason why being over 6 feet tall makes life more difficult :p
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Haystack on July 25, 2014, 04:07:03 AM
6'5 And 190ish. Tennis shoes aren't bad as was already said. my steel toe is what really gets me. on an aod i keep my foot sideways and only use my toes between pedals.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 25, 2014, 06:16:05 AM
There you go i am built to be a CAR GUY. Not only with my sharp mind but also a TALL ITALIAN. I am 5'6" 177 and my shoe size is 8. Perfect fit for those pedals. But i am still waiting to see the MOD VINNIE. Over the years i have modified many a pedal assembly. Looking forward to see what you did.

Note i am reading your posts and i am amazed at the size of you guys.(( HOLY ))  WOW. That is what i get being ITALIAN i am a short shiznit. But JR is big 6'2" 215 but he takes after his grandfather on my wife's side. Be safe and have a great day guys.

:bowdown:
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 08:55:14 AM
I will try and have a picture up today. I'm 6' and 210 pounds, and have size 10 1/2 shoes, and those pedals being so close just wasn't working at all.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: 50tbrd88 on July 25, 2014, 09:22:35 AM
Interested to see pics of the mod!  Sounds like something I may need to look into someday.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 09:29:34 AM
I'll snap a pic when I get home. The mod consists of a one inch square tube steel spacer, two bolts, two washers, two lock washers, two nuts, drilling 6 holes, and cutting up two clutch pedals. Now, if you're a welder, which I am not, I'm sure it can be done other ways. I wanted it strong and to stay put. No bending. I could do the mod again in about 30 minutes. Now that I know what I'm doing. I went into it blindly.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 07:38:22 PM
disclaimer.....TOMORROW I will be waxing the Sport and giving the old girl a good vacuuming as well as a Mustang GT 5 speed gas pedal assembly and new clutch and brake pads.....now, proceed to pics.....

 (http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/10576948_10204514559730424_5048628705062322504_n.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Vinnietbird/media/10576948_10204514559730424_5048628705062322504_n.jpg.html)

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/10345986_10204514561170460_8491098479463803864_n.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Vinnietbird/media/10345986_10204514561170460_8491098479463803864_n.jpg.html)
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 07:39:09 PM
The actual work can't be seen unless you look up under the dash, and it has since been painted satin black.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 25, 2014, 09:21:26 PM
Got it the same way i do it other than i TIG weld mine. have a good evening.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 09:25:44 PM
Mine will be welded fully later. I didn't want to weld it until I was sure it was going to work as I need it to and that it was all good to go.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 09:26:06 PM
Tom I'd like to see a picture of yours.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 25, 2014, 09:37:11 PM
Iuse the same 1x1 and tig it but not continuous welds leave a few spaces. You can also make the pedal a little longer or shorter if desired.  I also hate those close positioned pedals as well, They are to dam close to each other. Thanks for the photo.

Here we go same way you did it exactly. here is the stock i used

(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/tomrenzo/DSCF2364_zps390d4448.jpg)
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 25, 2014, 10:27:41 PM
Yep, that's it.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Aerocoupe on July 26, 2014, 06:35:30 PM
Great mod Vinnie! Looks good and I would not be afraid to drive that all day long with it welded up.  I am with you on the bolts, I am sure they would hold but welding always makes me happier.

I'm 6-1 ish and 200 with an 11.5 shoe and would not change the pedal spacing one bit for the heal-toe required in racing that involves lefts and rights with lots of shifting but that's what works for me.  Boots are a definite c in the Fox cars no matter if it is an auto or stick car so I always had flip flops in my car back with I worked construction in the summers.

Darren
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 26, 2014, 06:49:19 PM
99% of my driving is to work and back....6 miles total. Rarely is the Sport driven hard. After the heads and cam go in...hopefully this coming week, I want to take it to the track and see what it'll do. One time is good enough for me.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: 1BadBird on July 26, 2014, 07:20:52 PM
That is a real good mod Vinnie, even though I don't have big feet, as in length, my feet are wide. I might just have to copy this mod. Of course that is when I can get my car down here.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 26, 2014, 10:10:09 PM
If I can help in any way, let me know.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: thewestie on July 26, 2014, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: Aerocoupe;436449
Great mod Vinnie! Looks good and I would not be afraid to drive that all day long with it welded up.  I am with you on the bolts, I am sure they would hold but welding always makes me happier.

I'm 6-1 ish and 200 with an 11.5 shoe and would not change the pedal spacing one bit for the heal-toe required in racing that involves lefts and rights with lots of shifting but that's what works for me.  Boots are a definite c in the Fox cars no matter if it is an auto or stick car so I always had flip flops in my car back with I worked construction in the summers.

Darren

plus 1 on the flip flops
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 26, 2014, 10:24:03 PM
I have never worn a sandal or flip flop in my life.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 26, 2014, 11:12:23 PM
I am with you Vinny on FLIP FLOPS./ Every time i see a guy wearing them i immediately think @#$. Nothing is in my opinion is as bad as a guy wearing them. The fact that guys wear them other than when i am in my pool and a wet bathing suite makes me wonder about them!!!!  Have a great weekend guys.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 26, 2014, 11:20:47 PM
I have no problem with them, but they are too close to going bare foot, and I never go bare foot unless I'm bathing or going to bed. Can't explain why, but I've always had to be wearing socks.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: V8Demon on July 27, 2014, 12:30:06 AM
You can't defend yourself in flip flops.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2014, 01:12:27 AM
.......or kick a rattlesnake. Yes, we have those down here. My Red Wings have come in handy at a couple of salvage yards.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: thewestie on July 27, 2014, 12:33:47 PM
I like your mod. Howd the shifter come out.
  I'm 6'6" 330 I where boots all day and quite often get wet. I rotate thru 4 pair of boots Chippewas and red wing. When my puppies get the chance for fresh air they get it. I've had fumble feet shifting for the most part NP. I also always had stick cars and trucks.Till now the two work trucks are auto tired of rowing the years in Boston trafic When I race I go with merrels or fire resistant booties.  If you look at my pedals there worn on the edges when i do a burnout and jump on the brake i noticed i use the side of my foot.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2014, 01:14:57 PM
My pedal pads were worn in the same manner. The shifter and everything is great. The pedal, for me, is way better to the left as it is now. I have room for my foot to push the brake and clutch, not just the side of my shoe on the pedals.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Clayton on July 27, 2014, 02:58:16 PM
Sweet idea bud. Im 6'-6'1 and 250 with 13's i feel the pain too lol. It wasnt so bad in my k1500 cause the pedals were huge, but the comanche i have now holy moley i think the sides of my shoes are going to be worn out fast lol. As for the birds the pedals are just right imo. Then again i dont drive them with boots on either
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: TOM Renzo on July 27, 2014, 06:43:59 PM
DAM YOU GUYS ARE HUGE. Not in a bad way but just big BOYS. Not messing with you BOYS any time soon. have a great night guys.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: vinnietbird on July 27, 2014, 07:53:03 PM
I have to say, I like the 5 speed gas pedal a LOT better than the stock Bird pedal. The Sport seems really happy today.
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: 50tbrd88 on July 28, 2014, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: TOM Renzo;436477
DAM YOU GUYS ARE HUGE. Not in a bad way but just big BOYS. Not messing with you BOYS any time soon. have a great night guys.

We are corn fed Midwest boys Tom. lol
Title: Finished my clutch pedal mod...
Post by: Mikey97D on October 08, 2018, 09:17:06 AM
Vinnie, thank you for writing this up.  How is this working for you today?  Did you move the brake pedal too? 
I have trouble with hitting all the pedals and had a couple times getting caught between the floor and dash (NG).  I've read the SN95 pedal setup has more room, but spacing out the pedals may work better for me.  Size 13.