What to replace the pedal box on an MK1.... Suggestions?
Hello Everyone -
I have an old build MK1 that I do not like the pedal box arrangement. I would prefer a little wider spacing, if possible. The original builder modified the clutch and accel pedals and they just feel awkward. Picture attached. (Sorry it is upside down, I can't seem to fix that)
I have been emailing Mike about adding power brakes, and really like the pedal set he has, but I haven't been able to get a response recently....
Thats an 87-93 pedal box. Probably a couple thousand cobra with that pedal box. There are things you can do to make them better. There is a pedal bender tool so you can move the pedals to the left for more room. These boxes work well for power brakes too. I highly recommend power brakes.
Mike
I have that pedal box with Power Brakes in my MK4 and it works GREAT! (I did move the pedals to give me more Brake / Throttle distance). I would suggest replacing the Throttle with the Russ Thompson unit (I think Breeze sells them now). While you have the throttle out, the mechanical throttle (Forte) is also a nice upgrade. I would think you would also want to expand the Foot Box and drop the floor, if possible.
F5R #7446: MK4, 302, T5 midshift, 3.55 Posi IRS, 17" Halibrands
Delivered 4/4/11, First start 9/29/12, Licensed 4/24/13, off to PAINT 2/15/14!! Wahoo!
Thats an 87-93 pedal box. Probably a couple thousand cobra with that pedal box. There are things you can do to make them better. There is a pedal bender tool so you can move the pedals to the left for more room. These boxes work well for power brakes too. I highly recommend power brakes.
Mike
Mike -
Thanks for chiming in. I am going to have to do my change out in steps. Get the brakes working, best to keep the 87-93 box, then back disc brakes, then power brakes if I continue. So, I need the brake pedal cut down first. In this box, the current clutch pedal has been cut and welded with a dog leg kind of thing, so really done want to mess with it. Also, I don't the setup with the accelerator pedal. I will PM you about the Pedal Boxes you have restored or if you really think that this one really can be made better.
FYI, changing the pedal box on a complete car is a real PIA. Can be done but you have to be flexible! There are pedal benders floating around as Mike said. I would try that first.
I have that pedal box with Power Brakes in my MK4 and it works GREAT! (I did move the pedals to give me more Brake / Throttle distance). I would suggest replacing the Throttle with the Russ Thompson unit (I think Breeze sells them now). While you have the throttle out, the mechanical throttle (Forte) is also a nice upgrade. I would think you would also want to expand the Foot Box and drop the floor, if possible.
I think the throttle pedal is a newer version of the original Russ Thompson version (probably improved, although mine functions great and is MUCH better than stock!)
There are also DIY posts of the Forte Mechanical Throttle. (that's what I did. Also this is much better than the cable style)
If you don't do it now, I would highly recommend adding it to your list for later. Just thought while you are in there, this is a good time to do it.
Good Luck with your mods!
F5R #7446: MK4, 302, T5 midshift, 3.55 Posi IRS, 17" Halibrands
Delivered 4/4/11, First start 9/29/12, Licensed 4/24/13, off to PAINT 2/15/14!! Wahoo!
I have been successful on various cars (just cause I have big feet) bending the brake pedals with just a bench vise and a large adjustable wrench. Go a little at a time and watch the pedal arm doesn't twist as you bend. Remember that as you bend away from the original orientation that the pedal pivot distance shortens and increases the leg effort for the same amount of effect. In large pedal movement, the only way is to cut/splice/weld where you want it.
I think the throttle pedal is a newer version of the original Russ Thompson version (probably improved, although mine functions great and is MUCH better than stock!)
There are also DIY posts of the Forte Mechanical Throttle. (that's what I did. Also this is much better than the cable style)
If you don't do it now, I would highly recommend adding it to your list for later. Just thought while you are in there, this is a good time to do it.
Good Luck with your mods!
Thanks... Do you happen to have links to the DIY Linkage. I would like to use that linkage with the Russ Pedal, so a DIY would keep the price down.
If you go to member "edwardb's" site look at his info on the linkage he built. It is in his description of his 1st build for #7750. It is post #77. I built mine after his design and it works great.
JR
Last edited by jrcuz; 10-04-2024 at 07:03 AM.
Mk4 complete kit #9059 ordered 1/19/17 delivered 3/23/17, 2015 IRS, Fortes/DART347,TKO 600, hyd clutch, P/S, 12.88 wilwood brakes front and rear, heater/defrost and vintage gauges
First start and go-cart 4/11/18. Taken To Whitby Motorcars Greensboro, N.C. 2/5/21 for body/paint
If you go to member "edwardb's" site look at his info on the linkage he built. It is in his description of his 1st build for #7750. It is post #77. I built mine after his design and it works great.
JR
Thanks JR! Do you happen to have the pictures of that linkage? I tried PMing edwardb and his box is full. Not sure how else to contact him.....
I don't have pics. If you can get to his post there pics.
JR
Mk4 complete kit #9059 ordered 1/19/17 delivered 3/23/17, 2015 IRS, Fortes/DART347,TKO 600, hyd clutch, P/S, 12.88 wilwood brakes front and rear, heater/defrost and vintage gauges
First start and go-cart 4/11/18. Taken To Whitby Motorcars Greensboro, N.C. 2/5/21 for body/paint