[FC] Rampside clutch saga

[Daniel Monasterio]

  Started having troubbles with the 62 Rampside's clutch (my work horse) about a year ago.
First, the clutch pedal became harder to push so, I took off the return spring at the rod close to the bellhousing. It helped a bit. Some time after, started having troubble with 1st. and reverse at engaging so, removed all play to aid and used to push pedal to the floor (1st. & reverse) while shifting very gently.
  A month ago started having an abnormal vibration (oil on disk for sure) at engaging, mostly on 1st and reverse so, decided it was time to take down the powertrain. Finished the craddle for the powertrain I started to build some time ago and, yesterday got hands on labor.
  Parts I got previously for the job were: a rebuilt clutch disk, new release bearing, new seals for the diff. nose, new bronze bushing and a NOS clutch cable I bought at the 2007 GWFBT in Palm Springs.
  After making all the necessary work to have the powertrain ready for downloading (from the Rampy not from the net) installed the freshly built craddle on the floor jack, slided it below the PT, and lifted to the point where it will be supported at taking off the 3 nuts (2 on crossmember and 1 on rear end). Took off nuts and began downloading... what a piece of cake !!
  Need to say that while being a Corvair nut by 40 years this was the first time I used a craddle to remove a powertrain. Think on some 30 to 40 times I removed PTs with only the floor jack and a piece of wood, making several adjustments till got the center of gravity and being very careful to avoid PT sliding (not all the time). Felt stupid on not making this craddle 40 years ago.
  Coming back to the lowered and now well supported PT, slided it out of the Rampy, separated engine from diff./transmission assembly, made all needed cleanliness, changed bushing, seals, disk and bearing. Reassembly PT and reinstall it on the Rampy. Didn't install the new clutch cable as Mr. Sun was falling down, I was tired and in big need of a deep shower. Made the drive testing and all was as expected for the job.  
  Early this morning, started working on the clutch cable... arggg !, think it was the one that GM installed back on 1962. The "rubber" gromet (below the driver's floor) was rock hard, the pin that holds the front cable end to the pedal have lots of wear (almost cut) and the cable itself was real hard to move back and forth.
  To be brief (?), after installing the new cable and pin I enjoy engaging and dissengaging clutch. What a difference !! as, previously I exerted a force of some 20 lbs. (to press pedal) and now it feels to my foot like loose (can press it by hand).
  Now I get a really enjoyable to drive Rampy... again !!

Saludos

Daniel Monasterio