Suspension sinks on Sundays! C5 X7 that works hard + 206 GTi HDi (and 406 Coupe and 306 HDi). - MattBLancs

[CitroJim]

Thinking about cable v hydraulic clutches has anyone ever come up with a rod operated clutch which, subject to bush wear, would eliminate the issues suffered by both those systems?

Not that I can immediately think of but I do know the original Austin 7 had the clutch pedal directly attached to the release fork shaft with no cable or rods involved whatsoever...

[mickthemaverick]

It would appear that solid rod clutches have been used in the past as evidenced by this answer on a technical clutch forum:

Screenshot

I am still investigating!

[mickthemaverick]

The only vehicle I have found with the 'mechanical' clutch is the early Mk1 Ford Transit but I did come across this description which has satisfied my curiosity:

Screenshot

[darbuck]

Very simple and clever use of levers and from the numbers not a very stiff clutch either why was this not continued I wonder.

[bobins]

Presumably you'd get small amounts of unwanted movement in the mechanism as the powertrain moves in relation to the body under acceleration and braking.

[mickthemaverick]

Yes I think that is highly likely bobins, which would mean some sort of shock absorbing in the linkage which would introduce extra movement to 'close it down' when operating the pedal. So some form of physical isolation between the gearbox and the pedal, how about dispensing with the solid rod and using a flexible cable to link them?

[darbuck]

I was thinking there might be kick back from it. Just to be clear I have no issues with hydraulic slave as it is the best way to deliver smooth movement. its just the fact that they now stick it inside the bell housing which means you have to remove the gearbox to replace it

[Huskyxantia]

I can say mk 1 transit had a hard clutch i drove one at 16 it was like having to stand on the pedal .

Matt , have you seen the head units on ebay, touch screen , would you think these are worth taking the facfory look away from the car , not to mention losing certain features what factory fitted offers , e.g , fuel computer read out display & so on.

[Huskyxantia]

I can say mk 1 transit had a hard clutch i drove one at 16 it was like having to stand on the pedal .

Matt , have you seen the head units on ebay, touch screen , would you think these are worth taking the facfory look away from the car , not to mention losing certain features what factory fitted offers , e.g , fuel computer read out display & so on.

[MattBLancs]

.
Matt , have you seen the head units on ebay, touch screen , would you think these are worth taking the facfory look away from the car , not to mention losing certain features what factory fitted offers , e.g , fuel computer read out display & so on.

Sorry Husky, I've been out and about so missed your message above till now -

No I've not seen the eBay touch screen ones. Years ago I had an Aldi car radio, one single occasion it ran the battery down, I checked the wiring (was fine) must have been a glitch as it never did it again!?! But if had loads of features, cost very little and had fairly good sound. USB socket which at the time was very cutting edge.

I would miss the column stalk / steering wheel controls though. Some branded versions can have adapter cables to maintain functionality, not sure if any eBay models would do the same?

I think a mate bought a cheap eBay / Amazon car radio, had lots of features but didn't realise till if arrived it had no CD slot.

I'm a bit of a luddite in some regards, the lack of a CD slot in my 308 is a shame to me!

[Stickyfinger]

The only vehicle I have found with the 'mechanical' clutch is the early Mk1 Ford Transit but I did come across this description which has satisfied my curiosity:

You have never driven a WW2 tank then.......Tigers used this method

[MattBLancs]

You have never driven a WW2 tank then.......Tigers used this method

Nearly but not quite, I've had a go at this:

Here: https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk/activiti ... ng-taster/

But they were automatic! Stick it in D and mash the (squaddie clod hopping boot sized !) accelerator pedal and off we went!!

[MattBLancs]

Blue 308 SW filled up again:
Morrisons, 139.7 PPL, £61.48, 44.01 litres = 9.69 gallons.
557 miles covered.
Hence 57.5 mpg

I've finally got fed up with the slow puncture. Tipping point was pumped up to 2.7 bar on Sunday and tyre pressure warning half way to work on Tuesday morning!
So, Landsails will be jettisoned and a pair of new Yokoyama on instead.
All four with match in terms of brand and tyre size.

If anyone wants a part worn Landsail (i.e the one without the slow puncture) in 215/60R16 you've till 13:00 to let me know.

Asda tyres were best on price (online search only whilst on the train on Thursday afternoon)

Off this week but likely mostly house DIY rather than car DIY.

Other than the C5 = need to make a move on that. Or rather the moving needs to be by it, and away from me (time for it to go)

[MattBLancs]

Last time for this, I hope!

[Stickyfinger]

You have never driven a WW2 tank then.......Tigers used this method

Nearly but not quite, I've had a go at this:

Here: https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk/activiti ... ng-taster/

But they were automatic! Stick it in D and mash the (squaddie clod hopping boot sized !) accelerator pedal and off we went!!

Ahh the old 43---

Try living in one with 4 other blokes for 10 days....you really only understand how bad you smell when you get home and see other people turn green