Help please. Clutch issues at Monterey car week

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Car is a 1971 911T. I’m at Monterey car week and experiencing a clutch issue. The clutch doesn’t want to fully release. I was able to get under the car and adjust the clutch cable and we had a great drive yesterday.

Today we took a short drive, 10 miles or less and when we came back to the car the issue was back and worse than ever. With clutch pedal to the floor the car still wants to move forward when in gear. Almost impossible to get the car in or out of any gear, even with rev matching and double declutching.

Also, the clutch pedal doesn’t want to fully return to the top of the travel now. Just started in the last 1-2 miles trying to nurse it back to where we are staying.

Any ideas or suggestions? I don’t want to hurt the car and I am concerned something is bent or broken. Any trusted Aircooled mechanics in the Monterey area?

Appreciate any and all info or suggestions to help me get the car safely back on the road.

[ccallana]

Did you recheck the cable? I'm here as well and I wish I could help.... I'll ask around to folks and see if anyone knows a good mechanic here ...

[ccallana]

I got a recommendation for Don Wise Autoworks in Campbell. Not exactly local but closest best guy for the job.

[Correyyt]

If you have tools and a safe spot, check under the pedal cluster for broken springs or loose cable ends, and at the trans for any signs of the helper spring being out of place.

[dannobee]

Check the roll pin that holds the clutch pedal to the shaft. In the pedal cluster. If broken, knock out the remaining portions then replace with an appropriate sized allen head bolt and nut.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Thanks all for info and the recommendation for a capable shop. I’ll start at the floorboard and work my way back.

[Tony V]

Recently had the same problem. When you tightened the wingnut, on the clutch cable, was there another nut to tighten against the wingnut? There wasn’t on mine. I’d adjust it and everything would work fine. After a drive, the wingnut would back off and I’d be back crunching gears.
Hope yours is as simple.
Tony

[rwest]

Originally Posted by dannobee

Check the roll pin that holds the clutch pedal to the shaft. In the pedal cluster. If broken, knock out the remaining portions then replace with an appropriate sized allen head bolt and nut.

I had this happen to me as well, the pedal actually moves on the shaft rather than turning the shaft. Feels like you’re moving the clutch, but it’s just the pedal.

[T6andT]

I live off 68 about 10 minutes from Laguna Seca, had a 71’T. Now 70 E. The clutch activation is a bit odd, push type. I have tools and jacks as needed. Out today and at Laguna tomorrow but if helpful available Saturday to assist. LMK if this works.

[Rtrorkt]

see my answer in Early911sregistry. 2 shops, C&C near the airport and Classic Coach Works in Monterey

[ccallana]

Did you ever figure this out?

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

The culprit was the roll pin in clutch pedal, and I was unsuccessful at making a quality roadside repair. Hagerty roadside assistance got the Targa safely to Beeline Motor Club in Santa Cruze. They got the car in same day and were able to remove the pedal box, remove the broken shards of old roll pin, and replace with a bolt and nut. Picked up the car the following day after they put on some test miles to ensure all was well. Beeline was amazing to deal with and treated me fairly and with integrity from start to finish. A true pleasure to work with.

Targa is driving great with smooth clutch engagement and no grinding of gears. While it was a disappointment to not have the car for 2 days during car week, I could not be happier with Beeline’s service and their ability to rectify the problem and get the Targa back on the road safely and quickly. Highly recommended.

[ccallana]

I'm glad you had a good experience with Beeline - I was warned to stay away from them actually.. but it seems you got a good repair..

[pmax]

Originally Posted by Hi_Fi_Guy

... and replace with a bolt and nut. ....

Good to know.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Originally Posted by pmax

Good to know.

To be clear, I consider this a temporary repair to get the car back on the road AND it was my suggestion. They would have happily ordered the genuine parts to repair the pedal assembly to factory spec.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Originally Posted by ccallana

I'm glad you had a good experience with Beeline - I was warned to stay away from them actually.. but it seems you got a good repair..

They were one of a few recommendations I received between here and on the early911s forums. I’m glad it worked out. Hard to know who to trust with these old cars, especially when it is a job you know you could confidently perform in your home garage. But when traveling sometimes you have to have a bit of faith and take a chance.

For me they were 100% professional from start to finish. I would recommend based on my good experience. Drove the car over 700 miles to get home. No issues, no complaints.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by Hi_Fi_Guy

To be clear, I consider this a temporary repair to get the car back on the road AND it was my suggestion. They would have happily ordered the genuine parts to repair the pedal assembly to factory spec.

Got it.
I simply meant it is good to know that works as an emergency patch.

[dannobee]

The Allen bolt and nut is a permanent repair. After seeing the factory roll pins break I started using the Allen bolt and nylock nut on customer cars and never had one fail.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Originally Posted by dannobee

The Allen bolt and nut is a permanent repair. After seeing the factory roll pins break I started using the Allen bolt and nylock nut on customer cars and never had one fail.

Which hardware would you recommend as an acceptable permanent fix? As opposed to an emergency repair where an owner uses any bolt that will fit.

[dannobee]

Use an Allen head bolt where the unthreaded portion nearly passes through both sides of the clutch pedal. Then install the nylock nut and trim any remaining threads that remain. I’d also venture to say that any old 8.8 grade bolt will outlast any roll pin.