Constructing our Elva’s clutch linkage using off-the-shelf parts

Update by Tim Suddard to the Elva Mk VI project car
Oct 4, 2024 | Elva, Elva Mk VI, Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

Photography by Tim Suddard

Our next project would be to figure out the clutch linkage for our Elva Mk VI. The original Volkswagen Beetle transaxle that our Hewland Mk II transaxle is based on uses a rather crude, cable-style clutch system.

Most sports racers from this time period were converted over to a Girling-based hydraulic system. In theory, this would be a good idea, but where could we possibly find parts and expertise to make this conversion?

Fortunately, Hewland transaxles are used to this day in all kinds of formula cars and sports racers. Pegasus Auto Racing has been supplying parts to drivers of these formula cars, as well as sports racers, for more than 40 years.

They suggested as system based around these parts:

#1410-C36: Mounting bracket for external clutch slave cylinder, $289.99
#3520-.75: RH Girling Clutch ¾-inch bore slave cylinder, $169.99
#1410 C32: Push rod jam nut, $1.49
#1410 C33: Push rod end, $29.99
#1410 C34: Webster Clutch actuating push rod, $39.99

So, for less than $500, we could devise a complete linkage system between the slave cylinder and the clutch lever that, in theory, would work perfectly.

The parts fit together as expected, and we only had to add a return spring to hold the entire assembly together. Having had to invent so much of this car, finally having some off-the-shelf parts made this seemingly impossible-to-solve problem a breeze.