Heck, I still need to up and get a ride!

 

You're always welcome Bill! But no hurry, as it will probably be spring before the winter list is done. I'm concentrating on things that make it drive better first, so I can drive it while I finish interior and body work. Just in case that stuff goes on into spring.

 

It'll be spring befor I get up there. Been working on Dee"s 53 a little. Hoping to start motor for the camaro in Jan.

 

I need to make a trip over your way also! I'd love to see the '53 and the Camaro in person!

 

Thank goodness for the Lakewood two piece bell! Dropped the bottom out of the bell today, and did a quick inspection of the fork and throwout bearing. All looked good, so went and got my old bell to compare things. When I put the Lakewood in, I kept my new clutch fork, and swapped it into the Lakewood bell. After looking at both forks, I determined the Lakewood fork was thinner top to bottom, and about 3/4" shorter.
I decided I'd see if there was a chance I could get the fork off the pivot ball without dropping the trans, and after a few minutes I managed to get it off. A few minutes more, and I had the old fork on the Lakewood bell, and was able to reinstall the lower half. After readjusting the linkage I tried the clutch, and was surprised to find it not only works well, but better than it ever has! It leaves me wondering if the new fork I removed was ever really correct? Started the car up, and checked to make sure it shifted through the gears without any issues, and all is good! It's actually a very manageable clutch pressure, and I think I'm going to leave it as mechanical linkage. I'' put the Speedway parts away for another project, or sell them to one of my car buddies for one of their projects later.

 

Maybe the Lakewood fork was more of a one size fits more, as opposed to being more "model specific".
Did you order the right one for a Falcon with a Chevy engine & trans? lol
Even though the old fork is only 3/4" longer, that gives you more leverage and less pedal effort.

 

Yeah, I thought the shorter fork would be more leverage, and increase pedal pressure, but it's much softer. I think the extra 3/8" from the pivot ball to throwout bearing was actually causing some binding, and not correct, as it's never been this easy since I finished the car.
The new fork I've had on it previously was for a '70 big block Chevelle, which I randomly chose as I thought it would be close. It worked OK with the stock aluminum bell, but not with the Lakewood. The Lakewood fork is also a little narrower, so it doesn't rub the opening in the bell like the new fork did.
I'm just pleased it works so well, and I don't have to pull the trans again!

 

Looks like you found and solved your clutch problem! Nice!!

 

Thanks Bill! Yes, it feels better than ever. Still not like a hydraulic, but very manageable! Now I can move on to the rest the winter list! Rear springs are next!

 

Started the rear springs change out today. Got them out, but the fronts were a real battle on the passenger side! Ended up having to cut the bolt, which wasn't good, as it's a special stepped bolt that is 5/8" shank, with a 7/16" or 3/8" threaded section that goes through the frame. I think I can buy a 6.5" long 5/8" bolt, and turn the 3" of it down to size and thread it, but I wish I didn't have to. Had to also cut down the sleeves for the poly bushings, and narrow the front bushing shoulder to fit inside the perch. Should be ready to start reassembly tomorrow, if I can whip out the one bolt.
I compared the old springs to the new, and there's a lot more arc. I wanted a little more, so I could adjust the springs with less air in the shocks, so hope it's not so much that I end up higher in the rear!