Brake and Clutch Pedal Arm Question

[LKap]

Ever since I got my '50 3a a few years ago it has been bugging me that the PO cut the floor board to allow the brake pedal to fit (first pic) I'm not sure if he took the body off or if the fame is a bit out of whack.  I finally got to it this winter when I pulled the steering box for a rebuild.  The clutch pedal arm matches up perfectly (second pic). My question is - what is the appropriate shape of the brake and clutch pedal arms?  My clutch pedal has a kink to the left about 2/3 up (third pic) and my brake pedal arm is perfectly straight (fourth pic). Any ideas? Should I buy all new parts (clutch/brake arms, cross tube, bushings) or will I end up with the same problem?

[1955CJ-5]

Here are a couple pictures i took of my old brake pedal arm next to the new replacement.....at the moment I don't remember where I got the replacement...

[LKap]

Very interesting - I don't think my brake arm has that bend in it. I'm gonna try to take it all apart later and get a better pic. Maybe it's from a later model?

[1955CJ-5]

There are spacers/washers on the clutch and brake pedal shaft along with the brace that goes forward. Maybe they are not on in the right order.....

Seems to me I had to try it a couple times to get things to line up..I may have even used an extra spacer/washer.....I'll see if I have a good picture....

Maybe these pictures will help...

[athawk11]

I had to replace my worn out brake pedal arm.  The reproduction was almost straight. When compared to the original, it wasn't even close to having the correct bends to get it to line up with the hole.  I had to heat and bend it to get it to work.

[1955CJ-5]

I found the receipt for mine..got it through ebay..still coated in cosmoline..

Brent Mullins Jeep Parts in College Station TX.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-M38-M38A1-NOS-Brake-Pedal-Arm-/170998093718

[LKap]

Thanks for all the info guys. I took it apart this am and here's what they look like. I'm pretty sure both pedal shafts are bent. Will it weaken them catastrophically if I heat and bend them?  I also noted that the cross tube is pretty worn. I'm thinking the best plan might be to buy a whole new setup and compare old and new when it arrives. Keep what I need and send back the rest

[LKap]

New development!  I thin the problem is the cross tube.  It looks like bubba has been here.  It has been sleeved on the brake side for sure.  I wonder if it's even the right length.  Anyone have measurements? 

Oh and why do my pictures look so jacked up? Taken with iPhone/iPad and uploaded directly

[1955CJ-5]

Your cross shaft looks worn alright.....check the tube that's welded to the frame also....

And while your at it, consider replacing that bent steel clutch actuating rod with a heavier steel rod threaded for clevis ends...can't find a picture right now but there have been threads in the past.....maybe Tim has a pic..?

The bent steel rods seem to break pretty regularly....

[athawk11]

[athawk11]

The arms are pretty tough.  Heating and bending won't cause any problems.

[Tumbleweed]

Tim,

Do you have deatils on the clevis pins? Also did you thread the rods yourself? I was looking at making the same mods to both my jeeps.

Thanks,

Tumbleweed

[Tumbleweed]

Very interesting - I don't think my brake arm has that bend in it. I'm gonna try to take it all apart later and get a better pic. Maybe it's from a later model?

Yes interesting but if I look at mine they have some strange bends as well. I also made a slight bend in my brake arm as it would rub on the tub. I put a little heat to it and bent it a little to clear the opening in the tub floor.

[athawk11]

Hi Tumbleweed!

I got the 5/16"-24 Clevis on eBay.  Can't remember the seller, but they were around $4.00 each.  I picked up some 5/16" steel rod at the hardware store and threaded them.   I made the pins by cutting off a 5/16" bolt and drilling a hole for the cotter pin.  Although, you can get the pins at any Ace Hardware.  It's a fun project and makes that 'link' nearly indestructible. 

[aboyandhisdog]

Hi Tumbleweed!

I got the 5/16"-24 Clevis on eBay.� Can't remember the seller, but they were around $4.00 each.� I picked up some 5/16" steel rod at the hardware store and threaded them.� �I made the pins by cutting off a 5/16" bolt and drilling a hole for the cotter pin.� Although, you can get the pins at any Ace Hardware.� It's a fun project and makes that 'link' nearly indestructible.�

George, I did the same thing as Hawk and could find everything I needed at Ace.  I'll add that you will not be able to find clevis' and all-thread that match threads.  I looked everywhere and the only option is to make your own.  For the clevis pin, I just took one of the ones that comes with a bunch of holes already drilled and then just cut it down to the length that would fit in the opening.