Clutch assisatance South East Michigan Area

[MICOBRA]

Hi - having some issues with the clutch between my 302 &T5.
Would like to have a second opinion.
Does anyone have any recommendations in the SE Michigan area?
Thanks in advance

[Higgybulin]

Hi - having some issues with the clutch between my 302 &T5.
Would like to have a second opinion.
Does anyone have any recommendations in the SE Michigan area?
Thanks in advance

Post a description of the problem and if possible, pictures. This is the place to find your answers. Lots of knowledgeable people
Higgy

[MICOBRA]

Thanks Higgy - will do. Doh, not sure why I didn't think of that on the first place. Bit of a newbie.

[MICOBRA]

So just a follow up. Bearing in mind that I was fortunate enough to buy a Mk 2 Cobra with a 302HO/T5 combination in the summer, and have been having a blast since, I consider myself an amateur car enthusiast as I don’t have the technical skills to be able to build a car, and look enviously at you guys and gals who can, but I think I am mildly competent enough to keep one running – at least I hope so.
Onto my problem. I noticed the clutch pedal was travelling further before engaging this week and it was becoming increasingly difficult to change gears – so much so that, on Monday I had to negotiate coming home from a car show all the way in 4th gear (roundabouts, four way stops etc were interesting) as I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to get the transmission into another gear is ii tried to shift.
Made it home and used the adjuster to tighten the clutch cable. All seemed good until yesterday when the same thing happened but I couldn’t get the car in any gear ene after extending the adjuster to its maximum and was a little stranded.
See pictures below of the clutch cable – it’s all frayed by the pedal box adjuster.
Before I just go and replace the clutch cable I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this issue, or if it is symptomatic of any other problems that need to be addressed before replacing the clutch cable.
Any advice and guidance greatly appreciated.IMG_4740.jpgIMG_4742.jpgIMG_4741.jpg

[Jeff Kleiner]

It’s simply the cable. Replace it with a genuine Ford one.

Jeff

[MICOBRA]

Thanks Jeff - hopefully it is that simple. Seems strange as I was told the original builder of the car was going to race it, and everything else seems up to grade.
Hopefully it is just as simple as fitting a new original Ford clutch cable and we can be back on the road again sharpish.

Different topic, when I look on the regional Forums, I don't see Michigan covered anywhere - It would be great to meet up with other owners.

Don't people like Michigan!!!

[egchewy79]

whoa...as jeff said, replace the cable.
talk to Mike Forte. he sold me a pair of OEM cables for under $60 last time I checked. Nice to have a spare on your shelf/trunk

[rthomas98]

Thanks Jeff - hopefully it is that simple. Seems strange as I was told the original builder of the car was going to race it, and everything else seems up to grade.
Hopefully it is just as simple as fitting a new original Ford clutch cable and we can be back on the road again sharpish.

Different topic, when I look on the regional Forums, I don't see Michigan covered anywhere - It would be great to meet up with other owners.

Don't people like Michigan!!!

We like Michigan, Hello from Ypsilanti. There are a few of us on here.

As far as replacing the clutch as long as they don't have the access panel blocked too badly on top of the foot box, it is very easy. Should be a 30 min job max. Also here is a link on Amazon where you can buy the Ford one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In additon to fixing your current issue you will also notice a huge improvement to the clutch feel. Make sure when you run the cable that you keep it away from the exhaust. I ran mine under the engine mount then into the trans. when you are tightening it at the trans do not get too over zealious tightening it. You just want it to right where the clutch fork isn't loose and floppy any further and you are engaging the clutch.

[MICOBRA]

Thanks rthomas
We are on the South side of Saline, so not too far away.
Thanks for the advice - I have purchased the cable from your amazon link and hope it is an easy fit for a novice.
Maybe we will see each other around sometime. Would be good to catch up with other owners in the area.

[twatson799]

I am in Plymouth. Still building mine. Check out https://greatlakescobraclub.com/. Great club to meet owners of all brands. The next Cobras & Coffee at High Octane Coffee Shop on October 5 in Waterford is an opportunity to chat with owners. I know it’s a hike from Saline but well worth it.

[MICOBRA]

Thanks twatson. I may check out Waterford - it is a hike, but it would be good to see other owners. I was hoping to go to the cars and coffee event at Zingerman's in Ann Arbor this Saturday.

[MICOBRA]

Ok guys, newbie mechanical update. It wasn't quite a 30 minute process to replace the clutch cable, mainly because I am a slow worker and wanted to make sure I didn't screw anything up, but finished up over the weekend, and took her for a quick test drive down the street before it rained and the clutch feels 100% better - smoother and not as much pressure required as before. Thanks for the advice.
One question though, in case I need to go through this again - I had thought that if i unscrewed all the fixings on the top of the pedal box, that the sheet metal would pull out and allow easy access to the clutch arm. I tried with all my might, but was not able to pull the cover out and ended up taking longer to attach the clutch cable etc from inside the footwell, upside down, in all manner of positions that didn't suit my body or age!
Just a quick question for next time - did I miss something stupid? I even unscrewed the retaining screws for the hood on the lips. I understand that each car is different but this car seems to have been well and thoughtfully put together.
IMG_4772.jpgIMG_4771.jpg

[JohnnyB]

Just a quick question for next time - did I miss something stupid? I even unscrewed the retaining screws for the hood on the lips. I understand that each car is different but this car seems to have been well and thoughtfully put together.
IMG_4772.jpgIMG_4771.jpg

That panel is normally riveted including the top edge that is hidden under the body. The fact that the builder used sheet metal screws on the rest of the panel leads me to believe he set it up to be removable so there are probably no fasteners on the top edge. It looks like there might be aluminum tape on the top edge. Could that be what was hanging it up, or maybe silicon sealant?
IMG_4772.jpg

[rthomas98]

Ok guys, newbie mechanical update. It wasn't quite a 30 minute process to replace the clutch cable, mainly because I am a slow worker and wanted to make sure I didn't screw anything up, but finished up over the weekend, and took her for a quick test drive down the street before it rained and the clutch feels 100% better - smoother and not as much pressure required as before. Thanks for the advice.
One question though, in case I need to go through this again - I had thought that if i unscrewed all the fixings on the top of the pedal box, that the sheet metal would pull out and allow easy access to the clutch arm. I tried with all my might, but was not able to pull the cover out and ended up taking longer to attach the clutch cable etc from inside the footwell, upside down, in all manner of positions that didn't suit my body or age!
Just a quick question for next time - did I miss something stupid? I even unscrewed the retaining screws for the hood on the lips. I understand that each car is different but this car seems to have been well and thoughtfully put together.
IMG_4772.jpgIMG_4771.jpg

My apologies I missed that yours was a MK2. Those don't have the access panel unless the builder put one in. On the newer F5 roadsters on the top is a removable piece so you can get access. But like Johnny mentions looks like the whole panel moves, but not sure if it is screwed from the body side or not which is probably your stopper.

[MICOBRA]

Thanks guys for the feedback. Sure would have been easier task if there was an access. maybe I can make an access into the top panel inthe future..
At least i know I wasn't doing anything stupid now.