• Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
    To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
    Already a member? Login here then!

McLeod Hydraulic Clutch Linkage Conversion Kit - Experiences?

1

1965GTFB

Member
Any one using the Hydraulic Clutch Linkage Conversion Kit part # 1431001?
Trying to decide between it or the Modern Driveline.
Do either of them require a new hole for the clutch rod or do they use the factory z-bar hole?
Saw some online info showing the MDL setup getting sloppy/floppy and out of adjustment with all the brackets and dogleg that are involved with it.
The McLeod kit looks to be a direct line with the rod to the master which seems like a lot less parts to get worn.
1964-1966 Mustang Hydraulic Clutch Linkage Conversion Kit - Hydraulics
Feedback appreciated, need to get a clutch setup decision made SOON. Would stay z-bar but I'm going to be running headers.
 
I really like the mount and such but am not a fan of hose clamps. I wonder if a different MC can be used. Hard to make out how it mates to the red piece. I would love to know what is going on inside that red anodized piece. It must be compensating for the incorrect rod angle I expect occurs when the pedal travels.
 
I can't speak about the McLeod, but I do have a the MDL one on the 65. I had no problem setting it up and it has yet to cause any issue. The car was a daily driver for my son for two years and the linkage is still in good shape, with no issues to speak of. I had the firewall completely filled in before we started installing things so there is no way for me to say if it would or wouldn't use the original hole for the z-bar. The remote reservoir on the MDL is nice and allowed us to move it around.
 
kb3 said:
I can't speak about the McLeod, but I do have a the MDL one on the 65. I had no problem setting it up and it has yet to cause any issue. The car was a daily driver for my son for two years and the linkage is still in good shape, with no issues to speak of. I had the firewall completely filled in before we started installing things so there is no way for me to say if it would or wouldn't use the original hole for the z-bar. The remote reservoir on the MDL is nice and allowed us to move it around.
Click to expand...
Hey Ken,

Can you take some pics of where and how it is mounted and post them up or PM me? I asked Bruce at MDL to provide some guidance on the mounting as I also filled all the firewall holes (or was in the process) and wanted to know what to leave alone. His response to me was to buy it and then I would know. Not exactly the kind of service I had heard could be expected from them. I guess hole location is a trade secret.
 
Not to appear too stupid here, but why the hell can't you use the factory Z bar linkage ? When the components are in good condition and maintained they work great and don't cost an arm and a leg. If your clutch is too heavy duty, you can buy z reinforced z bar ( I sell them BTW), Nothing against the hydraulic systems, but the original Gets the job done.

Two cents.

Z.
 
zray said:
Not to appear too stupid here, but why the hell can't you use the factory Z bar linkage ? When the components are in good condition and maintained they work great and don't cost an arm and a leg. If your clutch is too heavy duty, you can buy z reinforced z bar ( I sell them BTW), Nothing against the hydraulic systems, but the original Gets the job done.

Two cents.

Z.
Click to expand...
The answer to your questions is summed up in one word, Headers.
 
1965GTFB said:
The answer to your questions is summed up in one word, Headers.
Click to expand...

That's all ?

Anyone that can't get a pair of "quality" headers, be it Tri-y, long tube, or whatever, to fit around a Z bar has obviously never played twister.

The companies that make the good headers don't beg you to go the hydraulic route with the clutch. And they aren't speaking Chinese either .

Z
 
There is a reason modern cars use hydraulic clutch set-ups. Those of us restoring our cars and going the "resto-mod" route are typically updating all the mechanical systems to more modern designs.

Using your logic, why would anyone want to replace that old three speed trans with a five speed? Or do away with points for electronic ignition? Disc brakes over the old drum set-up? Why would anyone want to do that?! It's all a matter of personal choice and application requirement, really.
 
You're comparing apples to oranges.

Added complexity without any benefit is not progress.

Z.
 
I would not consider the new hydraulic clutch systems as adding complexity. In fact they are clean and easy to install, provide for a better clutch feel and do not require any adjustment like an original or cable clutch does. Z bars get in the way, and having to "play twister" with a set of headers to fit around a zbar seems like a certain level of complexity to me. To echo Terry, it's a matter of personal choice.
 
zray said:
You're comparing apples to oranges.

Added complexity without any benefit is not progress.
Click to expand...
Without benefit? Really? Feel free to come sit in traffic with me sometime using a stock set-up with a performance clutch sometime. Seriously, a well designed hydraulic set-up offers so much more over a stock one it's not a surprise manufactures have long since gone this direction. Are manufactures known to put added cost into a car for no reason?
 
Horseplay said:
Without benefit? Really? Feel free to come sit in traffic with me sometime using a stock set-up with a performance clutch sometime. Seriously, a well designed hydraulic set-up offers so much more over a stock one it's not a surprise manufactures have long since gone this direction. Are manufactures known to put added cost into a car for no reason?
Click to expand...
Yes, to increase their profits.
 
Midlife said:
Yes, to increase their profits.
Click to expand...
How does adding more expensive components result in higher profits? Are you suggesting that if they simply apply a standard % mark up to all parts prices they therefore gain higher margin? That would be functionally true but surely not realistic. They would price their product out of the market. What a good manufacturer does is find a way to lower production and component costs while maintaining a competitive product cost if all they are after is simple profit.

This is a different matter. They don't add new technology just because. It either affords them the opportunity to sell on an advanced feature or it might just give them a better performing product which again translates to increased sales which means more $$$. Either situation points to moving away from an old style mechanical linkage system was regarded by the manufacturer as a positive move. And yes, it likely gained them profit at the end of the day but up front they spent more to get it and we as consumers got a manual car that drives much better.

Now back to the original question. Sorry we got so far afield.
 
Horseplay said:
How does adding more expensive components result in higher profits? Are you suggesting that if they simply apply a standard % mark up to all parts prices they therefore gain higher margin? That would be functionally true but surely not realistic. They would price their product out of the market. What a good manufacturer does is find a way to lower production and component costs while maintaining a competitive product cost if all they are after is simple profit.

This is a different matter. They don't add new technology just because. It either affords them the opportunity to sell on an advanced feature or it might just give them a better performing product which again translates to increased sales which means more $$$. Either situation points to moving away from an old style mechanical linkage system was regarded by the manufacturer as a positive move. And yes, it likely gained them profit at the end of the day but up front they spent more to get it and we as consumers got a manual car that drives much better.

Now back to the original question. Sorry we got so far afield.
Click to expand...

Made the decision. Just ordered the Modern Driveline setup. Probably would have spend more switching headers to clear the Z-Bar then likely having to modify it or buy the JBA Z-Bar then adding rod ends to make it better.
 
I was hoping you'd go the other way and you could provide feedback on the McLeod set-up. I hate being the guinea pig. Time to ponder my path...
 
Come on Terry, just jump. Once you test the McCleod I will know which way I go on my next build. I am more than happy with the MDL, but always have to keep my options open for new advancements that bring with them benefits to our hobby.
 
kb3 said:
Come on Terry, just jump. Once you test the McCleod I will know which way I go on my next build. I am more than happy with the MDL, but always have to keep my options open for new advancements that bring with them benefits to our hobby.
Click to expand...
I may have to go with the McLeod. I'm not liking how close the MDL sits so close to the apron. Seems pretty tight from the pics I saw. Then again maybe my own or some hybrid of parts. I already have a small MC I polished up with the intent to use.
 
Horseplay said:
I may have to go with the McLeod. I'm not liking how close the MDL sits so close to the apron. Seems pretty tight from the pics I saw. Then again maybe my own or some hybrid of parts. I already have a small MC I polished up with the intent to use.
Click to expand...
McLeod actually does not make a 67/68 setup yet. They said it would not be until the new year that they start on it. They would really like to find a car without motor, hood, etc. to make the mock-up process easier to develop the 67/68 kit. If we were not trying to finish the car in the next month or two and not 8 hrs away I might offer up ours as the test mule.
When I talked to them the thought was starting with their 65/66 kit and working it out from there.
 
kb3 said:
"......but always have to keep my options open for new advancements that bring with them benefits to our hobby.
Click to expand...

We certainly differ as to the definition of
"Advancements".

I'm just a scrawny old bastard, I'll never see the need for power this, and hydraulic that and the attendant whining from guys half my age about how hard it is to push in a mechanical clutch or how hard it is to stop with non power brakes.
I drive these old cars because I enjoy having the same experience as I did when they were first introduced. Many others just like the way they look, so everything else gets swapped out for modern components . Ugh. What a sad, pale imitation of the whole original experience that must be. To each his own. It bears pointing out, if that's ones philosophy, why not just drive a modern car and be done with it.

Z
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top