How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages

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Aug 30, 2008 | 12:07 AM
  #1  
I have an 83 Camaro that needs its linkage extended.. but im trying to get the last bit of adjustment out of it for now.. Can someone tell me how the process goes and how much do i have to adjust? LMK.. Im trying not to screw anything up
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Aug 30, 2008 | 01:29 AM
  #2  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
Dont know how to do it but I got a haynes manual handy. Interested?
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Aug 30, 2008 | 09:38 PM
  #3  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
Look under the car, at the rod that goes from the lever to the clutch fork. It's a threaded rod with a jam nut. Loosen off the jam nut, and thread the rod out towards the back of the car to take some slack out of the pedal. Once you have it where you want it, tighten up the jam nut.

You want it adjusted so that theres about 1/4-1/2" free play in the pedal if you move it up and down with your hand.
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Aug 31, 2008 | 02:40 AM
  #4  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
I went other under and the rod was like at its last threads.. And when i had someone press the pedal while i was under.. The rod barely even moved. So i gotta get it extended or find a longer one. Hopefully that fixes my clutch not going into gear problem!
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Aug 31, 2008 | 02:42 AM
  #5  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
heres a picture of my rod.. I seen this type of rod at home depot and stuff.. Think i can just go up there and find a replacement that fits?

How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages-323.jpg  

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Aug 31, 2008 | 04:13 PM
  #6  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
The Z-bar is notorious for cracking where the levers are welded to the tube, which will cause the pushrod to not move much when you push the pedal. Its happened to me a couple times.

Feel the levers on the Z-bar right near where its welded to the tube (its right under the brake booster) and feel for cracks. Its been a problem for GM since the '60s.
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Aug 31, 2008 | 04:53 PM
  #7  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
Got a pic of the z bar so i know what to look for? Thanks!
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Aug 31, 2008 | 07:28 PM
  #8  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
It's on the driver side under the brake booster, and it attaches to the engine block and d/s fender well you cant miss it, it looks like a funky Z hence the name Z-bar the real name is Clutch Lever, if yours is messed up the part number is 14036151 and the only place I know that has a few of them left is www.vpartsinc.com well brother good luck.
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Sep 1, 2008 | 12:55 AM
  #9  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
Thanks! Ill check it out tomorrow and see if i find anything wrong with it
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Sep 1, 2008 | 07:12 PM
  #10  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
stupid question here... Do i look on top of engine or underneath?
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Sep 2, 2008 | 09:36 AM
  #11  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
top of the engine bay. Right below the brake booster.

I had to have my rod extended at one point. Then something in the clutch system "settled" and my rod was too long all of a sudden. Never figured it out.

I did swap to a hydraulic clutch system eventually though, and i'm not looking back....Just another thought.
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Sep 2, 2008 | 12:01 PM
  #12  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
What i figured.. I can see the brake booster from the top and the bottom so i was like heh. lol.

How many inches did you use to adjust it? I have about an inch or so left and thought maybe i could get some last adjustment out of it

I would get a hydraulic system but im probably going to sell this car soon to get something alittle newer.. maybe an iroc or something.. So i dont wanna put toooo much money into this
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Sep 2, 2008 | 12:20 PM
  #13  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
I cut the rod before the threads, and just welded in about a one inch piece of rod there.
I worked at a fab shop, so I just handed it to a guy and told him to make it about an inch or two longer. Worked great, but the extra length hit the headers... Had to cut a bit off after.
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Sep 2, 2008 | 12:49 PM
  #14  
Re: How to adjust manual 82/83 clutch linkages
Thats what i was thinking of doing.. Just needa find a shop around here to do a quick job for me. lol.
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