Hey gang...

Unfortunately, I failed to install the fork boot on the bell housing on my friend's 67 GTX and now have the daunting task of doing it with the car all assembled, with headers... Can the fork be disconnected from the throw-out bearing retaining clip to allow more movement? With it all connected, the fork is so close to the opening that it is hard to get the boot fitted over the fork opening.... Any words of wisdom?

Thanks..
Troy

Can't you disconnect the linkage at the Z bar end and work it on from the small end?

How else would you get the boot over the fork if you don't disconnect from the z-bar ?!?!?

If you pull the fork out it will be a b!tch to get back onto the throwout clips.

maybe ...
disconnect the linkage, slip the boot over the fork, reconnect the linkage, have someone depress the clutch enough to give you the space to install the boot

I like Stanton's idea on this. I've been down this road before. You have to disconnect the z-bar clutch rod & the boot will slip over the end of the release fork & you can "sort of" get the boot in place.

Re-connecting the clutch rod & have someone YOU TRUST push the pedal in might give you the extra clearance to get the boot all the way installed. WATCH YOUR FINGERS since if your buddy lets his foot off the clutch they might be in a bad spot. Maybe you can figure out a way to jam the clutch pedal down...2x4?

Anyway, do not pull out the clutch fork. I tried that once and had to drop the transmission to get it back in. A real pain in the butt.

This

Haha haha..
Yes fellas, the linkage from the fork is disconnected, no way of getting the boot over the fork... I am sliding it over the small outside end. I do like the suggestion of slipping it over the for, reinstalling the linkage and compressing the clutch pedal allowing more space between the fork and bellhousing opening... I will try that..

100% of the time I have removed clutch fork from the throughout bearing, I have had to pull transmission back to reinstall. I have used threaded studs to pull it back about 2" which, if I recall, is enough.
So, if you can try the partial placement, then use reconnected z-bar to move clutch fork, I would go that way.

I think I have installed that boot in the car on several different cars over the years, it is a lot easier with the motor and bell housing out of the car but there is no magic when installing them the car
Now, GET TO WORK
Good luck Please let us know how it goes for future workers on here