finally had a chance to do some more on the beetle. ( not a buggy i know, but same thing)

finished most of the wiring, started it up with a jerry can of fuel etc.
and though Id best check I hadnt "done a Ben" so wanted to drive it forward and backwards on the drive

but the clutch peddle wont return. its down on the bulk head all floppy
I can get all the gears, start the engine, it rolls in nuteral etc.
I can force it into gear and away it goes. but I cant dip the clutch to stop it.
Im guessing the thrust bearing ( if thats what it is) is jammed in the engaged position ??

This is a perfectly safe way of going for a spin round the block right?
Petrol in a squeezy bottle, held to the brake line with a cable tie.

Check the clutch cable first. If you've been disturbing things it may've come unhooked from the pedal lever inside the tunnel. Also look round the back, I've known the wingnuts to strip and fall off and the brackets holding the Bowden tube to come away from the side of the gearbox.

yeah i thought that.
Ive been underneath and got hold of the cable at the arm, all looks fine there.
tried pulling the arm down by hand and it only moves a small amount.
the mrs was away so i couldnt have her in the car with me under it, will have a look over the weekend before i take the engine back out.

annoyingly .... i also noticed my balljoiint boots and track rood boots are all shot.... only been in the car 3 years... and the car hasnt moved in that time.

 

annoyingly .... i also noticed my balljoiint boots and track rood boots are all shot.... only been in the car 3 years... and the car hasnt moved in that time.
[/quote]i had one spare sitting on top of my toolbox rotted there in nice conditions

annoying.
all nice and dry, in fact the fuel tank it out, so i can see right down to them. and under the bonnet i have a circuit diagram printed out, not even a sign of dampness on it.

paper lasts longer than the rubbers !

try adjusting the cable tighter there should be approx 1/2 to 1 inch free play at the pedal.
also check the spring on the operating arm has not broken.

hhmmmm boots are slipt a same problem i had cheap sh..ty parts i say dan

Yeah yours have rotted in less than a year in the garage.
It's shocking.

OK, we all know that cheap stuff's crap...did you find your clutch problem buddy?

Not yet.
Going to have a play this afternoon.
Hoping its the cable come of the peddle and laying under the back at a stupid angle I just wasn't strong enough to pull it to find out.

I hope you find the cable problem Dan 

The ball joint boots on sale are awful and can/will actually disintegrate to powder, in the unopened bag in less than a year...

However, I have found a supplier and they sell decent stuff, made for the job, it's quality rubber that will not degrade.

Here.... http://www.southwalesprops.co.uk/propshaft/consumables/ball_joint.htm

And Here!