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JohnRLB Member
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I recently bought a 74 1/2 JH with documented super low miles. It was built the last day of 74. Quite a story with pics. If you have time, use the link to learn more: ( http://s255.photobucket.com/user/VegasJensenMan/library/74%20Jensen%20Healey ) While the car is practicably flawless, it has 2 problems: First, when pushing the brake, my foot (and my best friend’s too) touches the throttle. The engine roars and it’s dangerous. I’ve had other JH’s and don’t remember having this problem. Has my foot gotten larger with time or what? The other problem is that it’s hard to shift or find most gears. I don’t think it’s a syncro problem. Any ideas? Any help will be most appreciated. Thanks. John La Baum - johnrlb@cox.net Last edited on 01-01-2014 06:02 pm by JohnRLB |
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Art DeKneef Member
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Different shoes? I measured the distances between pedals on one of the cars here. Gas pedal to brake is 2 inches. Brake pedal to clutch is 2.5 inches. Maybe this will help. As for the trans, if you're sure the syncros are fine, how is the fluid? |
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JohnRLB Member
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Thanks Art. I'll check everything. |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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If you have a 5-speed then the shifter assembly probably needs to be rebuilt they are prone to wear the plastic bushings out, then they get very wishy washy and it's hard to find the correct gear. Pete Bahr has a rebuild program for them. Brett I should have looked at your pictures first, I see you do have the 5-speed so that's probably your issue. Also be careful with that hood strut thats the main source for putting a bend into your hood. Last edited on 12-31-2013 02:23 pm by Brett Gibson JH5 20497 |
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JohnRLB Member
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Thanks Brett. I know about the hood thing. When I bought my first JH in 74, a couple of days later I needed gas. The attendant checked the oil. Guess the rest. |
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Dakota123 Member
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I remember reading a road test where the tester complained about the pedal spacing as well. Mine is an early '73 and I had this problem. I agree, dangerous. I managed to separate the throttle and brake to the point where hitting both doesn't happen any longer -- If I recall, the accel pedal is mounted to the arm by two screws. Loosen them and move the pedal away from the brake as much as possible. I think I also ended up bending the arm slightly as well. You'll still be able to heal-and-toe. I also added a 1" extension to the clutch pedal made from the metal cover of an electrical junction box, bent and trimmed to shape plus some standoffs you can get at Lowes or Home Depot. Feels better to me to be a bit farther from the wheel. |
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JohnRLB Member
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Thanks so much for the advise. It's good to know that others have experienced the same problem. I'll work on it. |
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DDrake Member
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I always understood that the pedal placement was to facilitate heel & toe footwork . However I have developed the habit of using the side of my foot and this seems to work well for my size 12 construction boots |
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roland11a Member
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Hi Nice car! Just had mine sprayed white as I think it really suits the car. It was originally white but has spent much of its life Red. unfortunatly even though I'm rebuilding a JH, I've never driven one as mine was a basket case when I got it. Look forward to having trouble with the pedals. |
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JohnRLB Member
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I’m glad you liked my car. The last JH I sold a few years back looked exactly like this one! I was hoping for a different color this time (Pacific Blue) but this car was so nice, I just had to buy it. Still looking for a Pacific Blue one or I might even settle for a black one but it’s gotta be a 75‘. In the meantime, I’ll have fun driving this one. Good luck with your JH project. I like buying them AFTER they’ve been restored. Maybe someday yours :) Last edited on 01-28-2014 03:05 pm by JohnRLB |
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JohnRLB Member
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Results of a few adjustments and some daily driving: Everything works and is just fine. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. If you’re looking to buy a JH, I hope you end up as satisfied and feel as lucky as I do with your purchase. Good luck. |
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noomg Member
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JohnRLB, Sorry about your fat feet but I've got a pair of Fred Flintstones myself and I've never had a problem with the pedals. I don't remember having a problem with the pedals when I first got the car. Maybe it's just about getting the feel for the pedal location. The fact that you only buy restored cars probably makes you the smartest guy on this board. |
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