Clutch Tube Broke-See Photo

RandyH · 04-07-2003, 06:29 AM

Clutch tube broke this weekend and actually tore a hole in the firewall as shown in the photo. From inside the tunnel I was going to push the firewall metal back in place and use the clutch tube repair kit (clamps) to secure the tube without welding. Any other repair suggestions or thoghts on sealing the firewall tear? I figured the collective wisdom of ths 914 board should have several good solutions!
Thanks!

Jake Raby · 04-07-2003, 07:35 AM

I just had this issue in my car as well. I cut the tunnel open and re welded the entire tube, what a *****!

04-07-2003, 01:39 PM

I just repaired mine this past weekend. You're going to have to cut the top of the tunnel open to do a good job with the clamps. I'd say you might as well make up a couple of L brackets and weld them in and it should last another 30 years. Clamps will probably come loose a lot sooner than a weld will break.

RandyH · 04-07-2003, 01:51 PM

Drew365,
Just sent you an email.
Randy

Zeke · 04-07-2003, 07:27 PM

I used clamps to back up my welds. I would clamp it and drive it to have it welded at the firewall if you don't weld. I guess you don't want to weld because of...........let me guess, the gas lines? Smart. But it can be done.

mike95125 · 04-07-2003, 07:47 PM

Good advise? Well its what I did: I pulled the metal back out. Clamped the tube to the drivers side of the tunnel right at the shifter (good access there, and the right spot. JB welded the tube at the fire wall. Its strong, and not embarassing looking at all. Also you could possibly braise a washer onto the end of the tube.
Just some suggestions.

04-08-2003, 06:46 AM

Here's a couple of pics of my access for the repair at the front of the clutch tube. If you were to do this I would suggest making the cut closer to the shifter because I was a little too forward and just had enough room to do the repair. We welded in an L bracket I bought from Home Depot and ground to size.

RandyH · 04-08-2003, 09:08 AM

Drew365,
Thanks for the photos. That helps alot. I went to Lowes to pick up a reinforced cutting wheel. Several to choose from do you remember the cutting wheel number?
I do have to fix rear part of the tube as well as patching the hole it tore in the firewall. Will let you know how it turns out. May take while though.

10:36 AM

The wheel I used to cut the access panel was a Dremel #426 reinforced cut off wheel. Works real well.
Make sure you remove the clutch cable from the tube before welding or you could melt the plastic sheath. No, I didn't melt mine.

RandyH · 04-08-2003, 11:06 AM

Great..Thats the one I picked up. Yes I have the cable removed already. Am going to open up the tunnel tonight and am going to use the dremel wire brush to clean everthing real well so my welding guy will have good clean surfaces to work with. By the way about how wide was your opening? You said 8" long and to begin about an inch from the shifter opening. But I did not know about how wide I might need it.

04-08-2003, 04:32 PM

I cut mine the full width of the tunnel excluding the area where the electrical runs. If you see in the one pic, there is a brace across the tunnel in front of the shifter. That brace would be hard to cut and best not, start there and go forward about 8" and that should give good access.

RandyH · 04-08-2003, 04:51 PM

I used the dremel with the cutting wheel and it worked like a charm. I need to get to the rear weld also. Anyone know exactly where to cut open the tunnel to get to that weld spot?

ein 6er · 04-08-2003, 05:09 PM

hey randy .... it didn't take you long to get your hands dirty!! (-: sorry you're having problems. but you're in the right place!! lots of great help here!!

i'll be checking my tube this weekend!!

doug

rich · rich's Garage

Becareful of the wiring harness and fuel lines running through there! I'd stay on the left side. There is a "U" shaped tab holding the tube. The "U" tab is attached to the left side of the tunnel.

RandyH · 04-09-2003, 04:18 AM

Zeke,
Sent you an email.

sixbanger · 04-09-2003, 10:09 AM

Does this ever happen to the 6'S?

ein 6er · 04-09-2003, 03:52 PM

"Does this ever happen to the 6'S?"

i don't see why not. unless the clutch pull is a little different on a -6. i'll be checking mine just in case.

doug

04-09-2003, 06:54 PM

"Does this ever happen to the 6'S?"

Clutch tubes are identical in 4's and 6's. Mine is an original 6 and the front weld was broken. If you don't catch the front after it breaks, than the wiggleing of the tube causes the rear to break around the firewall which is a tougher fix.