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05-12-2006, 06:38 PM   #2 (permalink)
casscomputers
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 34
1966 Thunderbird T45 5 SPEED conversion completed!

Some of you have asked about the clutch setup. Well here is how I did it.
First you have to remove the steering column, including the slide assembly. Remove the speedometer and gauge cluster. Remove the power booster assembly. Finally remove the pedal base
assembly.


I purchased a pedal and quadrant assembly fro a 2000 mustang GT on ebay for about $100. After some close measuring, I found the best location was just forward of the brake pedal shaft. The front cowl houses the wiper motor. This limits height for quadrant motion. See pics for location used. Simply cut shaft out of the 2000 assembly. Cut the clutch pedal arm about 3" from shaft.
Cut holes on 66 bracket in front of brake shaft and weld in the 2000 shaft. Make sure you remove the shaft and bushing!
Cut out the quadrant cable mount and relocate as shown. Reinforce using metal from 2000 bracket. Use an adjustable aftermarket quadrant so you have some room for Adjusting!
Temporarily install bracket and use vise grips to hold pedal in alignment, tack weld. bend and weld on nuts to accept new style chrome pedals from Summit Racing $40 each.
Drilled about 1" hole on right lower corner of firewall. This will allow the cable to reach the transmission easliy. Paint and install bracket. Install cable, booster etc,etc.
Please note I did these with the engine removed. THe conversion requires that the engine be removed.

No, this is not a bolt on conversion. They never make a pedal assembly for this car. fabrication a must!


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: casscomputers on 5/21/06 10:57am ]</font>
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