hand operated clutch?

[dieselnutjob]

one problem I have with my 604, which unusually is a manual, is that my left knee is stuffed.I can press a clutch pedal for occasional journeys, but on a regular basis it isn't possibleand the clutch on the 604 is quite heavyI am wondering if I could add some kind of hand lever that would operate the clutch.I had heard of some simple schemes such as a valve that send PAS fluid to the clutch slave cylinder, or vacuum operated pistons, but they all seem to be on/off operation. That's fine for changing gear but how the hell do you do a hill start?If I could rig up an electric motor to press the clutch pedal than I'm wondering if I could actually have analogue/proportional control. Basically you have a rheostat on the motor and another on the lever that you pull, and an amplifier/feedback circuit which sets the motor to a position that is proportional to where the lever is set.I'm thinking maybe a windscreen wiper motor could be powerful enough? Would need a bloody big amplifier circuit with some pretty big transistors though.Similar systems are used for model remote control cars and the like. These are called servo motors and normally they have quite a small motor and the gearbox to achieve the necessary torque. If the thing can swing say 180 degrees in 1/2 second then that's good enough to steer your model car. I'm thinging that's about the same speed as windscreen wipers..Anyone think I would actually be achieve enough precision with a handle control to do it? presumably motorbike riders canand how to link the motor to the clutch pedal? I'm thinking a 3/8 square hole cut in the pedal into which a UJ meant for a socket set and then 3/8 extension bar. then another UJ attached to the motor spindle somehow, bury it behind the centre consolecould it work?

[Richard]

Is it possible to fit a remote brake servo to the clutch circuit?

[seth]

Is it possible to fit a remote brake servo to the clutch circuit?

There are some cars out there that had servo clutches. High end stuff or maybe US cars? Can't think of any but if you've a hydraulic clutch there's no reason you couldn't add one. You'd loose some feel obviously and might have to work out ratios carefully.

[warren t claim]

Would converting it to an auto be a bad idea?

[dollywobbler]

I've got a friend who has hand-operated clutches for his 2CVs and H van. It can be done. I don't think an electric one would offer the necessary adjustment - it'd be very tricky to control.

[Dead_E23]

Something like this would probably do the trick:

 

 

Whilst looking, I also found this, which appears to be a vacuum servo for a cable operated clutch:

...that's a new one on me!

[Station]

Hand operated clutch, though, how are you going to change gear?If your clutch is FWD and lever operated, you could bolt a longer rod on the fork and them reattach the cable, it'll need less leverage, but it'll need more pushing.You probably need to borrow an automatic.

[pogweasel]

Can you not get new knees?

[Des]

If you go servo, like a full size brake type, I too think it will be massively over assisted, but if you were to change the fulcrum point of the pedal to give less travel, maybe just a couple of inches, (could be as easy as drilling a new hole) and you're lucky and things add up you may get a clutch operated by merely rocking your foot, organ pedal stylee.Failing that, I like the idea of a deep gearknob you will grab like a joystick, motorcycle master cyl (with a long brake flexi) mounted vertically on gearlever so you can use the same hand for clutch and gears. I can see an obvious prob with a bike master, fluid displacement unlikely to be sufficient, but clutch lever on gearstick would be dry ice cool, so worth hassle of bike master feeding small bore slave, which operates a larger bore master (the cars own?) then servo then clutch slave. Bike masters are usually sealed, and capable of working with varying orientation, (like a chainsaw fuel tank, but to what extent I don't know), fill up with silicone fluid and shouldn't wear out too soon either.

[Spiny Norman]

How stupid an idea would it be to suggest swapping the clutch pedals and accelerator around in the footwell, so you'd use your right leg on the clutch? Would that be too weird?

[Tayne]

.

[mouseflakes]

Can you not get new knees?

My old man did.

[STUNO]

That takes me back to the 50's. Anyone remember the Standard 10 with Standrive transmission ? Two pedal motoring in a S 10 which had a clutch operated from a button on the top of the gear lever! I drove one a few times and it took a bit of getting used to.

P.S. It was owned by our local nurse Gladys

 

EDIT.did a google on standrive and www.oldclassiccar.com came up trumps with detail of the system

[dollywobbler]

Hand operated clutch doesn't stop you using a manual gearbox. There are no 2CV or H van automatics as far as I'm aware. I think you use the fingers of the right hand, so you can still steer a bit and changing gear is no issue.

[dieselnutjob]

That takes me back to the 50's. Anyone remember the Standard 10 with Standrive transmission ? Two pedal motoring in a S 10 which had a clutch operated from a button on the top of the gear lever! I drove one a few times and it took a bit of getting used to. P.S. It was owned by our local nurse GladysEDIT.did a google on standrive and www.oldclassiccar.com came up trumps with detail of the system

found it herehttp://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/standriv ... ission.htmyou need a centrifugal clutch for it to worka servo would help, but to be honest the best solution would be to have no clutch pedal at all

[boobydoo]

As you live Hatfield way, it would be worth giving Brigayd Controls a call. They are in Welwyn Garden City, near Waitrose.They're a company specialising in car adaptations, particularly for the less able.I've had them fit anything from a simple steering wheel knob. to a full electrical, swivelling hoist for a wheelchair.They did fit a hand accelerator once placed on the steering wheel so that the accelerator pedal could be used as a clutch, so nothing is impossible. I don't have their number to hand but they are "google-able".

[STUNO]

Just for the sheer usefulness of this to you.

This chap specialises in importing JDM disability vehicles and very low mileage cars to NZ, And some of his prices are quite reasonable by our standards

 

http://www.rodmilner.co.nz/