Loose clutch linkage part

[Joe Flanagan]

This part of my clutch linkage is loose. When the shaft turns, there is about an eighth inch of movement on the piece at the end, the cause being, I think, that the hole that the shaft goes through is just worn and is now a bit too large. My idea is to separate the two, weld a little material into the edge of the hole, and grind it down with a Dremel or something similar. Any other ideas? I would just tack the piece to the shaft but I don't know if that's a good idea:

[Don Coatney]

Joe;

Where does this piece go in your clutch linkage?

[Joe Flanagan]

Don,

I believe the shaft goes through the frame and the linkage piece is out on the right side of the frame rail (next to the bell housing). If that makes any sense.

[Don Coatney]

Your 49 must be a lot different than a P-15.

[james curl]

The 51 Dodges have the clutch pedal on the out side of the frame with the link shown. The arm on the shaft is on the inside of the frame and has a rod to the clutch bellcrank or whatever you call the part between the frame and the engine block that the clutch pedal works. The frame has a bushing through the frame for the shaft to run in.

[Normspeed]

Joe, if you were able to completely disassemble without separating those two pieces, why not weld them up? I think I would.

[Joe Flanagan]

James,

That's a much better explanation of how it's put together.

Normspeed,

The thought crossed my mind. Once I do that though, I guess there's no going back. But maybe that's not an issue. At least it wouldn't be moving anymore. Anyway, I didn't get to it today because I spent half the day cleaning out my garage so I can actually work in there. Then I blasted and painted the floor panel that goes beneath the driver's feet.

[Rodney Bullock]

Hey Joe, while I was in york friday my blaster came in the mail. I can't wait to fire up my compressor. I could not resist getting it after seeing yours. On your clutch part, is that end peened to the part? I know there should not be any play there and welding it should not be a problem. Don is right your car is different than his p-15 or even my p-9 I think at that point(49) there where many inovations to the clutch parts. If it is not amoving part I see no problem with spot welding it or though If I remember correctly a part like that is peened. If you ruin it I am sure the 49 at B&J salvage has one as I remeber the clutch stuff was still in that car.

[PatS....]

James,

That's a much better explanation of how it's put together.

Normspeed,

The thought crossed my mind. Once I do that though, I guess there's no going back. But maybe that's not an issue. At least it wouldn't be moving anymore. Anyway, I didn't get to it today because I spent half the day cleaning out my garage so I can actually work in there. Then I blasted and painted the floor panel that goes beneath the driver's feet.

Joe, my '50 DeSoto might have a good one if you want it.

[Joe Flanagan]

Thanks Pat,

I wound up tack welding the linkage to the shaft. I was reluctant to do it, partly because they were two dissimilar metals. The end of the shaft looks like it's copper or brass or something. I was concerned it might not weld. But it did, as it turns out, and the thing is solid. Thanks for the offer anyway.

Joe