GT350 tribute

[nassi]

Looks great!

Thanks, yep will keep you updated on how the Mal Wood hydraulic clutch setup goes.

s

are you using the combined slave cylinder throw out bearing setup?

[StephenSLR]

are you using the combined slave cylinder throw out bearing setup?

I've been debating that with the mechanic, after reading up on them my preference was to go with an external slave cylinder due to ease of maintenance.

The mechanic did have an issue with the first hydraulic throw out bearing (htob) he installed, the solution was to put in a pedal stop so the clutch pedal doesn't travel too far and there hasn't been a problem since.

He said I'd be up for extra costs if I went external, with a new fork, adaptor for the slave cylinder, etc. though he'd give me warranty on the htob setup so I've decided to go with that. He mentioned it'd be the concentric style they have on the website.

http://www.malwoodauto.com.au/index.php ... _cylinders

s

[nassi]

That is the unit we use in a couple of the race cars. They have been quite good so far, but a prick to setup. We have put quick connect fittings on the unit to assist in removal and install. With the shatter proof bell housing there is just enough room to get your hand in to operate them.

[StephenSLR]

We have put quick connect fittings on the unit to assist in removal and install. With the shatter proof bell housing there is just enough room to get your hand in to operate them.

So you reach in and unhook them?

So the big issue with removal/installation without these connectors is having to remove the g'box or is it a pain in the arse to unhook them at the MC?

Obviously it's a street car and I don't plan on doing many clutch changes so should the supplied fittings be okay or should I also get quick connect fittings?

s

[nassi]

Yes, you reach in and disconnect.
You still have to remove the gearbox for any adjustment or replacement.
For a streeter the standard fittings are fine as you say, you wont be pulling it out very often. The quick connects just save a mess when swapping something out.

[cage]

Saw this car in the flesh a couple of weekends ago and it is a very good looking car. Sorry Stephen but I couldn't help myself, I had to sit in it and I really really liked it. Beautiful colour combo too in my opinion.

And did I mention I F#$king hate rust. Nice work Steve.

[StephenSLR]

Sorry Stephen but I couldn't help myself, I had to sit in it and I really really liked it.

lol.

No offence taken.

s

[ozbilt]

Sorry Stephen but I couldn't help myself, I had to sit in it and I really really liked it.

lol.

No offence taken.

s

You might be offended when you find out what he did while sitting in there ......

[soc123_au]

He was pretty excited. Luckily he had rubbed himself up on my exhaust before he spotted the 65 so there was nothing left so to speak.

[nassi]

He was pretty excited. Luckily he had rubbed himself up on my exhaust before he spotted the 65 so there was nothing left so to speak.

On your exhaust... Steve? Or on your cars exhaust?

[ozbilt]

He was pretty excited. Luckily he had rubbed himself up on my exhaust before he spotted the 65 so there was nothing left so to speak.

On your exhaust... Steve? Or on your cars exhaust?

You're not two timing me again Steve are you ...... ?

[StephenSLR]

Time for an update, the hydraulic clutch conversion has been completed and I picked up the car this weekend from Johnny's Mustangs & Classics.

Here's some before shots; clutch fork cover showing cable entry with thermal wrap.





Under the thermal wrap the rubber casing was burnt through to the cable sheath.



Pedal box was sent to Mal Wood and returned with a master cylinder installed.



There is a stop to prevent the pedal travelling further than it should, John removed it and replaced it with one that can be adjusted.











Striker plate









Pedal box with hoses fitted





Reservoir





John's cut off the spout and tapped a bulkhead into the bottom of it.





He's made use of the hole above the booster where the clutch cable went through; he's fitted a bulkhead (elbow) to the firewall rather than have the hose enter at a radius.



Another bulkhead fitted lower down on the firewall, the master cylinder on the inside feeds to this.



Interior view looking up from the brake pedal showing master cylinder beside brake booster push rod:



Cable from m/c to interior bulkhead



Air vent cable was replaced and relocated.



Gearbox



Gearbox front bearing retainer from Mal Wood, the old one is to be sent back in exchange.





Retainer, bellhousing and hydraulic throw out bearing fitted, top hose is the bleed hose.





Bleed nipple is located at the front, the hose runs through the same hole where the clutch cable entered.





The hose exiting the rear runs up to the bulkhead in the firewall.







I have to thank John for taking on the work, Steve from St. Mary's Prestige and I rang everyone we knew including a few clutch specialists and nobody wanted anything to do with it.

For more information on this or any restoration or mechanical work you can contact John at:

Johnny's Mustangs & Classics.
9/45 Powers Rd, Seven Hills

Phone: (02) 9674 1188

s

[ACTstanglover]

Looks like a great bit of work, you must be happy. Really interested to see how you got this all to work

[StephenSLR]

Looks like a great bit of work, you must be happy. Really interested to see how you got this all to work

It wasn't without a hiccup. The first time it was ready I was driving home and the throw out bearing popped apart. We suspect it was too much pedal travel pushing it beyond its limit.

John warranted the work for 12 months and was really good about it, he added in another shim to push the bearing forward and shortened the pedal travel. Now the pedal grips closer to the floor, which I prefer and there isn't much travel past where it disengages, I'm trying to master driving without hitting the stop each time.

s

[soc123_au]

Good to see its back on the road. Now you can kick back & start enjoying it.