Hello, I could use some help with the clutch rod selection for my 1964 Cutlass. I replaced the stock bell housing with a Lakewood unit, since I found a rather large crack in the stock aluminum one, (and the previous owner had cut some rather dangerous looking holes in it too!). I am having issues with the clutch not disengaging enough to shift gears, and its harder than hell to push. The clutch rod in the car is(was) some kind of home made thing welded up from a couple of pieces, and its now bent from stepping on it so hard. While looking at Year Ones website, they show two different clutch rods, they have a long rod that measures 7 3/8" long and a short rod that is 6 1/4" long. Anyone know what clutch rod would work for a 455, 4 speed combo in a 64 Cutlass?

Also, I had to get an "adjustable clutch fork ball" to go with the Lakewood bell housing. Are any of you familiar with these things and what the length should be for an Olds application? I am using a Centerforce Clutch and pressure plate combination that some other classicoldmobile.com members recommended. Nothing too exotic, their street clutch stuff...

 

The clutch linkage needs to match the chassis. The location of the pivot ball on the block is in the same place on the 455 as it is on the 330. I don't know how or if the aftermarket blowshield impacts this.

 

So I should be looking for a 64 - 67 clutch rod, those two rods I mentioned are listed for 68 - 72 models. I wasn't sure about the 330 and 455 clutch pivot locations, so thanks for that information.

 

I've got a project car that I believe has the factory one in it. Here's a picture, it looks like 6 1/2" long to me. John

 

Thanks for the photo, that absolutely confirms that the car does not have a 64 -67 clutch rod. The one in the car has been welded up from two rods and at the point where they are welded is only about a 1/4" in diameter. The clutch rod in your hand is much more stout than what my car had in it. I think the one I ordered from OPGI looks like the stock one you have.