clutch pedal helper spring - where can i buy one?

[page00]

I have a 1982 fiat spider 2000 and pressing my clutch down is very difficult. I noticed my clutch doesn't have the clutch pedal helper spring installed. If I had one, that could help my stiff clutch problem. Does anyone no where I can purchase a clutch pedal helper spring? I check international and vicks, but their websites don't list this part as something they sell.

[giuliot60]

I would try Auto Ricambi as well. Sometimes the sites don't show everything. You should try calling.

[GeorgeT]

The spring is to pull the pedal up after clutching for a shift not to assist in pressing the pedasl down. If you have a stiff clutch, it is due to binding somewhere in the clutch mechanism.

[spidernut]

After driving your car, I had a chance to think it through a bit. I'd recommend getting it up on a rack or on ramps and check the travel of the clutch fork as the clutch is depressed. The fork might be bent causing the extreme stiffness. I didn't feel any binding in the travel when depressed or when engaging, but it shouldn't be that stiff. Also, the clutch should not engage as close to the floor as it does. When you drove my car, that is more "normal" for where the clutch should engage. I think a closer inspection is warranted. How does it compare to the other 82 you have?

BTW: Kathy said after riding in your car on that first leg of the drive that she forgot which car she was in. She said your car rode a bit softer than mine...she liked that. She also liked being able to actually hear the stereo. You've done a really nice job restoring the car.

[page00]

I was able to find a clutch pedal helper spring at the junk yard. What a PITA to install. I used a mirror on the floor, sat in the driver's seat, took off the steering wheel, used a flash light and reflected the flash light off the mirror to see the spring, placed a wrench on the end of a board, screwed a handle on the edge of the board so I could use my foot to push the board forward, placed the wrench at the end of the spring and then streched the spring by pressing on the handle on the board with my foot forward to connect the spring to the S hook spring. After a few attempts - success. Funny thing is, it did not really help making it easier to press the clutch down once I installed the spring. I tried squirting WD40 inside the clutch cable - still no real help.

John I will try you suggestion and look at the clutch fork. After driving your car and comparing my clutch to yours in terms of ease of pressing down - it was like night and day. I may need your assistance on this one.

I am still working on my other 1982 spider, the clutch on that one feels the same my other. Go figure.

[spidernut]

I'd be happy to assist. Maybe we can figure it out with my Spider there at the same time for reference. Let me know what you need.

[page00]

John recently stopped by to look at the clutch. We determined it was a worn out and old clutch cable. We simply replaced it and wow did that make a difference. The clutch is soooooo smooth and easy to depress now. Thanks John for the help!

[spidernut]

Any time...I enjoyed working on the car with you and your expression the first time you depressed the clutch was worth every minute of it! Life is great, isn't it?

[howard]

i find my clutch cable needs to be replaced aprox every 2-3 yrs ( i think it acts as a grounding point ) the trick to the clutch spring is to put coins in the spring to stretch it out and then remove them after it's in place.