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-   -   how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and knees (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=357399)

modelamann 05-04-2026 07:19 PM

how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and knees
 

what modifications can be done to make the clutch pedal push down easier . And has anyone ever tried to replace clutch linkage with hydraulics to make it push down the pedal easier . I do not think hydraulics will fit but maybe someone out there has tried it .

Keith True 05-04-2026 07:42 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

There is a longer clutch arm you can buy from the vendors.Makes quite a difference too.Not real expensive.

nkaminar 05-04-2026 08:25 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

I have the Ford V8 clutch in my car and it is easier. Might not be easy enough depending on your physical condition.

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Y-Blockhead 05-04-2026 08:36 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

I have heard of modern diaphragm pressure plate being used. I have the longer clutch arm that Keith mentioned. Works for me... so far.

katy 05-04-2026 08:53 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

https://www.musclecarsandclassics.ca...t5eZfP_FI0zHZD

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A7510WA.htm

midgetracer 05-04-2026 10:09 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

I have a friend that takes out half of the springs in the pressure plate and he says that it makes it much easier to depress the clutch and it does not slip even on steep hills.

Joe K 05-05-2026 06:47 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

Quote:

I have the Ford V8 clutch in my car and it is easier. Might not be easy enough depending on your physical condition.
The later Ford clutches have "counterweights" that take advantage of centrifugal force to release the clutch.

Snyders to the rescue...

LIGHTENED FLYWHEEL WITH V8 CLUTCH
Part # A-6375-V8 | Model Year 28-31

A little pricey at $645 plus shipping. Probably $750 delivered.

They say they need a "core" exchange. Not sure if they're looking for a Model A core or a V8 Core. Think more shipping...

Joe K

Fullraceflathead 05-05-2026 08:20 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

With the stock Model A producing around 127' lbs of torque You would think the stock pressure plate was way overkill. You would think maybe having a capacity of 200’ lbs of torque holding ability would be more than enough and provide a very soft clutch pedal.
Modern diaphragm pressure plates typically have a much softer clutch pedal load by design.
I would think you could actually remove every other spring on the factory pressure plate and still have adequate holding ability with a stock engine of course, and in addition to using the longer arm on the clutch release shaft.
In reality the clutch only needs to hold 127 foot pounds of torque and 40 hp so with a stock Model A engine if you double that in capacity for the clutch pressure plate it really doesn’t need to have that much spring pressure at all.
The current pressure plates are way over capacity to cover higher powered applications in my opinion.

Bill Z 05-05-2026 08:23 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by modelamann (Post 2450161)
what modifications can be done to make the clutch pedal push down easier . And has anyone ever tried to replace clutch linkage with hydraulics to make it push down the pedal easier . I do not think hydraulics will fit but maybe someone out there has tried it .

I had my lightened V-8 clutch flywheel redrilled for a 1986 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe diaphragm pressure plate. It still uses the stock Model A clutch disc and throw-out bearing. I can easily use three fingers to depress the pedal. Clutch engagement is very smooth and progressive.

Fullraceflathead 05-05-2026 08:31 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

That's a perfect example of how nice a diaphragm pressure plate actually operates and functions with only moderate pressure.

Bob Bidonde 05-05-2026 08:57 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

2 Attachment(s)
I am 83 & my Victoria has a V8 clutch that is easier to work than the stock clutch. Also, there are 2 options for longer clutch arms.

ModelA29 05-05-2026 11:43 AM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe K (Post 2450215)
The later Ford clutches have "counterweights" that take advantage of centrifugal force to release the clutch.


No - clutch counterweights increase clamping force by using centrifugal force to push the pressure plate harder against the clutch disc as RPM increases.

katy 05-05-2026 12:03 PM

Re: how to make model A clutch pedal push down easier for us that have bad legs and k
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModelA29 (Post 2450275)
No - clutch counterweights increase clamping force by using centrifugal force to push the pressure plate harder against the clutch disc as RPM increases.

Ditto


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