1974 Spider lurching in first gear

[swensonsj]

My 1974 Spider is very touchy in lower gears. And if I am traveling on a bumpy road in low gear, the car lurches like mad. I am generally able to control it by feathering the clutch. It feels like the bumps are being transferred to my foot and accelerator pedal. The throttle linkage in the '74 is a proper rube goldberg of linkages. I've had the linkage rebuilt and it did nothing for me. Has anyone else experienced this? I can't find any posts on the subject but I may not be using the right terms in my search. Does anyone have any thoughts on the bits I should look at?

Thanks!
Steve

[majicwrench]

SOMe of the early cars with all that throttle linkage can do that lurching bit. Are the motor mounts OK?? If the motor pitches it really agravates issue.
Keith

[fiat218]

I thought maybe you got a bad clutch or pressure plate!

[azruss]

the non-cable throttle linkage pivot on a bushing in the firewall. If this bushing is worn, it will contribute to the issue. This, along with motor mounts are worth inspecting.

[swensonsj]

Excellent. Thank-you for all of the great responses. I don't think it's anything to do with the clutch only because it seems to be more closely correlated to throttle response. i hadn't thought of the motor mounts. I'll check it all out tomorrow. It's going to be raining here in southern New England so a day in the garage seems to be in order and let you know if I find anything.

[bigjon42]

I have a 71 spyder with the same issues. I thought it might have something to do with the front 'rubber' u-joint.
It does sound like throttle linkage problems though, I will check my bushings on the firewall. Jon..

[daved]

Had the same problem with my 1969, after changing the motor mounts it almost never happens.