<VV> Rampside clutch saga

[BBRT]

Way to go!  Sounds like the cradle is the ticket!

Chuck S
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Daniel Monasterio" <dmonasterio at megared.net.mx>
To: <corvanatics at corvair.org>
Cc: "virtualvairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 5:27 PM
Subject: <VV> Rampside clutch saga


>  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
>
>
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