Oh no! Clutch gonna go?

[supplyguy]

Two weeks ago it was simply a subtle hitch/catch occasionally when I let out the clutch. Last week I got some shuddering releasing for 1st and 2nd gear (violent lateral shifter movement). Today, a little bit of both, and some screeching/friction/almost metallic sound letting out the clutch into 1st and 2nd, and sometimes 3rd, and some burning smell. No problems into 4th and 5th. Time for a new clutch? Really annoyed and concerned about getting this fixed with FFO just over a week away. Thoughts?

[spidernut]

Here's a test to see if your clutch is worn (it isn't something you want to do regularly). Put the car in 4th gear, release the brake and try to take off in 4th gear. If you can't take off in 4th even while giving it lots of accelerator and it dies, your clutch is probably fine. If you can take off in 4th and the clutch starts to slip (so that you can rev it a bit while in gear), your clutch is gone. It has worked for me for years.

[supplyguy]

Yes, I launched in 4th gear. Car is with G&S and keeping fingers crossed I'll get it back for FFO.