"lowering" brake/clutch pedals in a 66...

[jocko]

Anyone ever done this? My pedals are way high, and I'm not THAT tall. By "lowering" i really mean pie-cutting the back side of the pedal arms and bending them back to fill the pie cut and re-welding - the end result being the pedals are moved slightly closer to the floor/firewall (as on an arc scribed by the swing of the pedals).

If I pressed my clutch in a way that would be comfortable, I'd always bang my knees on the steering wheel. So, I have to kinda rotate my foot up and around in front of the pedals - just to get it on top of the pedal with my knee under the steering wheel.

Maybe folks were shorter in '66 (I know i was... )

I HAVE seen this done - in fact, if you watch Overhaullin, they did it to the 72 C10 that they did for one guy (sweet truck) - they pie-cut the back sides of the pedal lever arms (i.e. the part that acutally hangs down and attaches to the pedal... Not the pushrod into the master cylinder or booster), heated them up with a torch, bent them about 10-15 degrees, and then welded them. Seems it would put the pedals in a much more comforatable position. And I have plenty of travel available left after my clutch is engaged and the brakes are fully depressed. I'm a little hesitant on the brake pedal since I may have different dynamics if I upgrade to power disks at some point.

Thoughts? Anyone done anything similar?
Thanks,
Jocko

[Max1775]

I haven't done it, but I sure want to (and I'm a short guy). My brake pedal is actually hard to get to quickly. I was actually going to look at it this weekend. I was thinking about fabbing up a spacer to go between the pedal stop and the arm.

[theastronaut]

I've had thoughts of modifying or replacing the pedals as well for my '66. Wilwood has some NICE pedals that I'd like to use if they'll fit under the dash.


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[Max1775]

Nice looking pedals Neil. That would be a nice upgrade. Damnit Jocko, you have the wheels turning now! I'm going to dive into that this weekend.

[lolife99]

Look at Rokcrln's "Low Buck" thread.
He did a really clean job.

[lolife99]

Here you go,...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269717

[markeb01]

It would be nice if you could obtain a spare set of pedals to practice with. If they turn out perfect you could just install and be done. If they need minor (or major) adjustment, that could be incorporated on the the next attempt with the original pedals.

[joedoh]

man I remember when I drove the 65 home, the clutch pedal was so far up I was bumping my knee on the steering wheel to drive home.

[Max1775]

Great link lolife. That is another good way of doing it. Mark has a good point, might try to pick up another set before hand.

[jocko]

thanks all - glad I'm not the only one that thinks the pedals are way too high at least, so it's not my imagination!

Wheels a turnin - I do have an old set of Impala pedals, but they're in perfect shape and, unfortunately, not interchangeable I believe. But I don't have the pedals, so could use em for practice. The little voice in the back of my mind is saying "don't screw with it - you'll hose it up and up hitting the floor with the pedal and screw the pooch!!!"

Ha! Good idea Mark, I bet I can find a spare set around here somewheres.

[chevyrestoguy]

Good thread, Jocko. I am planning on doing a very similar mod because I don't like the fact that you have to completely lift your leg off of the seat in order to actuate the brake pedal. It's way too high off of the floor, and that could be a problem in a panic stop. I guess I'm kinda spoiled with the late-model stuff where you merely rotate your heel to go from the gas pedal to the brake pedal.

[Mechanic77]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

Good thread, Jocko. I am planning on doing a very similar mod because I don't like the fact that you have to completely lift your leg off of the seat in order to actuate the brake pedal. It's way too high off of the floor, and that could be a problem in a panic stop. I guess I'm kinda spoiled with the late-model stuff where you merely rotate your heel to go from the gas pedal to the brake pedal.

X2......I've already widened my brake pedal (running an auto) to make it easier to two foot drive it, and I have an extra pedal assembly too.........one more mod to do