Why a Dead Pedal?

[Blitzboy54]

I have couple questions about dead pedals. I've never had a real sports car so I don't have a lot of hard driving experience. I have ridden and raced motorcycles for 20 years so I get lines, braking, corner apex, etc. I understand the theory behind it I was just looking for opinions on if they really help or if it's more of show piece. I like the look of the Breeze pedal.

This brings me to my next question, attaching it to the footbox aluminum. If you are using it for support during tight (extreme?) turns is the .040 thick aluminum enough to support it? I'm 220 lbs. Would it need to be anchored to the frame? I've searched the forum on different threads about installation just wondering what peoples experiences are with them.


Thanks

[Big Blocker]

Just my opinion but I think most install a dead pedal so they have a place to rest their left foot / stretch their leg out full on long drives and not really looking for "support". In my MK-II, I built a "pop-out" to the left and made it big enough to get my #10 1/2 wide shoes into it - there was no actual pedal, design allowed for a built-in foot rest, all so I didn't have to bend my left leg up so it wouldn't "sit" on the clutch pedal on long cruises. Once again, a "comfort" item in my car, not a support feature.

Doc

[egchewy79]

I used my left over hood pin latch to make a dead pedal and attached it directly to the aluminum panel, even with my clutch pedal. It gives my foot something to rest on when i'm cruising and not shifting much.

[totem]

Dead pedal is used to plant your butt in the seat when cornering hard. It allows to control the steering wheel rather than hanging to it.

I used a piece of 2x0.125in flat iron screwed to the round tubes.

Sorry for the dirty footbox.
145026

[GTBradley]

I found myself pushing on the frame tube and it curves at the top so it was uncomfortable for my foot.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=131684&d=1594593003

I repurposed my Coyote gas pedal mount and attached it to the round tube. I put some non-skid tread on it too.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145031&d=1616523836

It is much more comfortable having it.

[skidd]

For me it was Comfort 1st. A bit of added stability 2nd.
And 3rd.. a place for my OldSchool high-low switch.
https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20170602_075925_595.jpg

[AC Bill]

This brings me to my next question, attaching it to the footbox aluminum. If you are using it for support during tight (extreme?) turns is the .040 thick aluminum enough to support it? I'm 220 lbs. Would it need to be anchored to the frame?

I find I use my knees for support, during hard cornering, to the point where I added some padding for the left knee. I should do the same at the tranny cover, as that's where my right knee braces. It might look rather awkward..
I likely also use the dead pedal for support, but sub-consciously, as I don't think of it at the time. Sore knees, remind me they were being used..lol.

I attached the dead-pedal to the tube frame, and kicked it off to the left, into the box known as the dead pedal, or footbox mod. This was common for builders to add on the earlier models, to allow for a foot rest area. The footboxe's were so narrow back then, that there was really no room to the left of the clutch pedal.

I also installed a headlight high-low beam switch to the tube frame, closer to the floor. Having the dead pedal, helps stop me from accidently pressing on the switch.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've had a lot of cars come through here that have a dead pedal placed even or near even with the clutch pedal in a position that makes it difficult if not impossible to stretch out the left leg. To me that seems like a detriment to comfort rather than an aid. I don't have one in my own car and have never felt the need. As far as bracing during hard cornering; that's what a Kirkey or Sube seat and the belts do. Once I cinch the belts in my Street Performers (Sube Cobra Clubmans) my body isn't moving. There is no lateral support in the lowback roadster seats.

Jeff

[cv2065]

I've had a lot of cars come through here that have a dead pedal placed even or near even with the clutch pedal in a position that makes it difficult if not impossible to stretch out the left leg. To me that seems like a detriment to comfort rather than an aid. I don't have one in my own car and have never felt the need.

Jeff

Agree with Jeff. I had one that I installed and my leg was all crunched up when sitting on the dead pedal. I took it out and now can stretch the left leg out nicely when on the highway.

[Avalanche325]

I don't have one. My foot just slips past the clutch and sits comfortably on the frame tube. Of course, everyone is different. If you are driving hard, that's the last place your foot is going to be.

[Fixit]

Since mine is one of them currently "going through" your place...

I've had a lot of cars come through here that have a dead pedal placed even or near even with the clutch pedal in a position that makes it difficult if not impossible to stretch out the left leg.

My particular problem wasn't a place to "stretch" out my left leg, but a place to rest my foot and not being "cocked & ready" over the clutch. Maybe I've got this weird neuro-thing, but if I hold my foot in the "ready position" I cramp up, and extended under the clutch isn't comfortable for me.

The dead pedal I made is by no means a BRACE for cornering, but just a tab sticking out rest my foot against. Dead Pedal (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27544-The-40-Watt-Garage-9365-Bodywork-Clear-is-On!!&p=375527&viewfull=1#post375527)

I also made a footbox "bolster" for my wife on her side. She wanted something "push" against, not just the dead air in the deep passenger side footbox. Bolster (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27544-The-40-Watt-Garage-9365-Bodywork-Clear-is-On!!&p=377294&viewfull=1#post377294)

[Blitzboy54]

Thanks everyone. Tremendous input as usual.

I think based on this I will skip it for now

[Norm B]

I have one and have contemplated removing it. The only problem is my dimmer switch is incorporated into it. I do have a flash to pass wired into my signal light switch so I could use a latching relay.
If you do decide to instal one make sure it is at the correct position so that your knee is not in constant contact with the door restraining strap mount. Don’t ask how I know.

Norm

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Set mine pretty low as a foot rest. 5 point belts hold me in the seat.

[CraigS]

I like having a dead pedal but the height is important. Mine is like GT Bradley's, way beyond the at rest clutch pedal height.

[skidd]

I tried my dead pedal at both locations. Way behind the clutch, and next to the clutch. With where my pedals fit in my footbox, the space between the side of the footbox and the clutch pedal was just not enough for me. I didn't like how easy I found it to sometimes catch my foot on the clutch pedal as I was pulling back from the dead pedal. I also found that on very rare occasions, when pushing the clutch pedal down with my foot not squared up enough, it would bump the dead pedal near the bottom. Still had plenty of clutch movement, but It caught me off guard.

Thus. in the end. I opted for it to be next to the clutch. a little over 6k miles so far, and no issue with comfort for ease of use. It's smooth and quick to get between it and the clutch.
It's also very much worth noting that I have low-back Kirky seats almost right on the floor. My knee doesn't rest at all on the leather door strap, nor the square tube. In fact, my leg is below the leather strap. My thigh is held up by the lower seat bolster.
I did have the factory low-back seat in my car for a little while with this same dead-pedal. I don't recall if the leather strap was an issue with the taller seat. Given how much I disliked the factory seats, I have to assume the dead-pedal was the least of my concerns at the time.

[Fman]

I put mine right next to clutch pedal and narrowed it allowing my foot to go past it if I ever wanted to stretch my leg out (possibly on freeway on a longer drive), I also made it removable if I ever want to take it out. With limited driving it seems nice to have a place to rest my foot and easily rock back to the clutch when needed. If I end up not liking it I will just take it out.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142947&d=1613706935
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142949&d=1613706961

[rich grsc]

Useless.

[ggunter]

Why a dead pedal you ask? Because the live ones are too hard to catch......

[ptstew]

I mounted mine low so that my left leg is straight when using it. Very comfortable. The pedal came from an early Miata.
145874

[NC Cobra]

A while back I saw a post that had an alternative answer. They put a small (2”-3”) half round section of knurled bar stock bolted to the floor as a means to support your foot. The idea was that your heel rested there and eliminated the need to hold your foot over the pedal. Seemed like an interesting solution and was curious if anybody had experience with it.

[mburger]

This is a bad pic because it makes the pedal look bigger than it is, but, hey, my car my way. :D
I put rivnuts in the aluminum wall and screwed it in from the inside. (Obviously) Doing it over, I’d move it back further, but it is much more comfortable than floating your foot there near the clutch pedal.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146003&d=1618015060

[J R Jones]

IMO the dead pedal is for ergonomics, it feels good or not. It may help pushing back into the bucket after heavy braking. It may be better as an option, with a hinge at the top or left side so it can fold away when not wanted, perhaps during an autocross. is the footwell big enough for it? I have a car so narrow a dead pedal is hard to fit and use. There has been a practical use in my experience. Back in the seventies we were racing a Boss 302 in SCCA A Sedan (a Trans Am car). We were invited to the National Run-Offs at Road Atlanta from the Central Division, our first experience there. Approaching the front straight the track dips down then a steep incline, under a bridge and a downhill right sweeper to the straight. A downshift was required while climbing the incline and the positive "G" force was so great the driver could not lift his leg to the clutch pedal. A dead pedal flush with the clutch pedal made the downshift more easily accomplished.

[GTBradley]

A while back I saw a post that had an alternative answer. They put a small (2”-3”) half round section of knurled bar stock bolted to the floor as a means to support your foot. The idea was that your heel rested there and eliminated the need to hold your foot over the pedal. Seemed like an interesting solution and was curious if anybody had experience with it.
Mark at Breeze has something like that as a heel stop kit (https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/heel-stop-kit/) for the gas pedal. I’m not sure I’d want that for the clutch pedal though. I don’t see how your heel would clear it when actuating the clutch, maybe the one you saw was low-profile. Your post did remind me that I’d like to try it for my gas pedal though. Breeze also has a couple of dead pedal kits.

146015

[RoadRacer]

Mark at Breeze has something like that as a heel stop kit (https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/heel-stop-kit/) for the gas pedal. I’m not sure I’d want that for the clutch pedal though. I don’t see how your heel would clear it, maybe the one you saw was low-profile. Your post did remind me that I’d like to try it for my gas pedal though. Breeze also has a couple of dead pedal kits.

146015

Thanks for this - that's such a good idea. Never seen those before.

[JohnnyB]

Useless.

Not really Rich. There's a reason they have them in production cars.
I even tried a couple from production cars but they were all too big and interfered with the clutch pedal. I ended up using a piece of 1 1/2" angle iron covered with non-slip tape. It's not too pretty but it's functional and one of the better additions I’ve made. I installed it after I'd been on the road for a couple of years so I used some hefty sheet metal screws to attach it to the foot box aluminum. I was concerned about the aluminum being strong enough to support it without additional backing but it is still hanging in there after 18 years and 40k miles. I use it all the time but it is narrow enough that I can slip my foot past it and stretch out when I feel the need.
146033

[NC Cobra]

Mark at Breeze has something like that as a heel stop kit (https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/heel-stop-kit/) for the gas pedal. I’m not sure I’d want that for the clutch pedal though. I don’t see how your heel would clear it, maybe the one you saw was low-profile. Your post did remind me that I’d like to try it for my gas pedal though. Breeze also has a couple of dead pedal kits.

146015

Thanks very much for the reference, its exactly what I had seen. I like the idea of having a rest for the throttle foot and Im thinking it could provide a bit of bracing for the few times I plan on auto crossing the car. The funny thing is that in my mind I had recalled it as being much lower in height and on the clutch side. Thinking I may try taking a 1” or 1.5” round piece of solid aluminum bar and cut it down the middle. With the flat end on the floor and knurling on the top it might be enough to be helpful in providing support for my left foot without impeding the operation of the clutch. Tie it in with some counter sinked allen bolts and rivnuts on the floor (for removal of the floor mats) and it might be a low cost alternative to a dead pedal.

[GTBradley]

Let us know how that works out. Yep, I ordered one from Breeze today for my Coyote throttle pedal because I’m attending an “autocross university” in two weeks and my first autocross the day after. I find my throttle application a bit sloppy because my foot has no reference.

[dhuff]

Here's mine. Use it a lot.
146428