Need to move my brake pedal!

P-DUB · 12-20-2006, 06:11 AM

First let me say I did a search and only found one related thread and it had no conclusion. I have a 1970 914-6 with the small center console, that is angled toward the passenger side for more foot room. I cant get my foot between the console and the brake pedal, and if I do, it is pretty scary if you need to get it back out to apply the brakes in a hurry. I am looking for ideas on moving the brake pedal to the left toward the clutch (I have lots of room between the two). Is there a adjustment? Spacers? Way to bend the pedal arm itself? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated because as much fun as this car is to drive, it is nice to be able to stop if needed!

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Last I checked, the throttle pedal was the one on the right side of the cluster, closest to the center console. I don't really get how you'd have problems specifically with the brakes...

Check here for an exploded diagram of the pedal cluster:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/Parts/Pedals/pedal_assy_big.htm

There is no adjustment for the brake pedal side-to-side. You would have to bend the arm that the pedal is on. I don't know how you'd do that without weakening it, and that is one component that I ABSOLUTELY would not want to weaken!!

--DD

P-DUB · 12-20-2006, 09:56 AM

No problems with the brakes, but getting my foot out between the brake and center console. The problem i have is getting my foot between the brake pedal and the center console to step on the gas. Once it's in there, it's really tough to get my foot out of there to step on the brakes! The gas pedal in my car is located between the brake (just to the right) and the center console. I would assume your car is the same. There is not enough room between the brake lever and the console to place a foot with a shoe on it!

Rough_Rider · 12-20-2006, 11:08 AM

Sounds like something might have moved. take a pic & post here.

For reference this is what mine looks like after extending the brake pedal.
One other thing what shoes are you driving with? I only use race shoes or vans, nothing else works.

P-DUB · 12-20-2006, 11:25 AM

I don't normally wear race shoes to the office (Ha)! It just depends on the day. If i can get the old lady's camera from her i will snap a shot or two.

2-OH! · 03:19 PM

Remove the console and change, cut-out, alter the side of the console nearest your foot...It is held to the other side by a block of wood, glue and a screw (in some cases)...Remove that block and slide the console sidewall over to give more room...

You can't bend or move the brake pedal...It has to line up with the master cylinder, brake lite switch and the bushing stack within the cluster won't allow a way to move it...You got to change the console somehow...

2-OH!

P-DUB · 12-21-2006, 06:45 AM

No pictures yet, but i looked at my cluster last night, and I have a good 6". Oh, between the clutch and the brake pedal levers, and I don't think i have half of that between the brake and the gas pedal! There has to be a way to bend or replace the lever at the top after it comes through the floor plate, that shouldn't effect the operation any, and give me the room i need to get my stop on! Any other ideas? 2-OH, the console is already pinched up pretty tight in the back, i think this must have been the PO's idea as well.

2-OH! · 12-21-2006, 08:56 AM

If you want to bend the pedal, you can disassemble the cluster, remove the pedal, heat it and bend it...I WOULD NOT DO THAT TO MINE...Couple of reasons come to mind...

1. You will be changing the temper in the metal and ultimately making it softer...You can re-temper the metal and bring it back if you know what you started with but the average garage guy (like me) does not have the equipment or technology to do that...

2. If you try to bend it without heat, it may break...

3. You will have the pedals mis-aligned...One will be higher than the other...This will affect drive-a-bility and re-sale...

4. Dunno, I'll think of something else...

I just think messing with the pedals is a really bad idea...

A couple of other options:

A. I would remove the back portion of the console first...

B. Have my foot shaved down to a smaller size...

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I have big feet (size 11E, depending on the exact shoe) and can wear my Big Ugly Boots (cheapo hiking boots) and hit the gas without hitting the brake pedal at the same time. Unless the 914 has air conditioning, then it gets more "interesting". Perhaps a little angle on the foot would help? I had to hit the gas pedal with the side of my foot in the Formula Russell car I drove in November.

I agree that you should prefer modifying the back of the console to modifying the brake pedal lever. The back part of my console is held together with industrial staples, not any glue or screws. It's pretty easy to tweak the whole thing, or just move the end of the left-side panel. Heck, you can even cut it off shorter with no real problems from what I can tell! Remember, the gauge panel blocks your view so you can't see that the back of the console is open. And part of it is open in any case.

If you're going to modify the lever, talk to a good machinist. He may have a good suggestion for doing so without compromising the strength. Perhaps cutting it, welding in an extension, and then heat-treating as appropriate would work? I'd worry somewhat about flex in the lever as well. The brakes feel spongey enough already without adding to that in the pedal itself!

--DD

P-DUB · 12-21-2006, 10:21 AM

I am running it down to my mechanic tomorrow to chase down some electrical gremlins, and I will have him look it over when he has it. He's been working on P-cars for a little over 30 years, he may have a idea either good or bad! I would shave my foot down, but that would make me walk in giant right hand circles!