Bob Bruce, I did adjust my clutch myself. You were right, it was really easy, even
for me (I'm not an unbaptized mechanical newbie, neither am I experienced)!. So that
worked for a while, although the clutch started to feel a little funny after a couple
of weeks, like something was grinding a bit during changes (Mike Taylor, something
must have been warped.). Finally, in late May, I tried to pull out of a parking lot
in Harford, CT, and the clutch just died dramatically. It made some awful sound
(something obviously broke), and was tough to put back into neutral. Based on Doug
Sisson's and Steve Bergen's recommendations, I had AAA tow it to Stevenson's Imports
in Bethel, CT. They replaced the clutch and shift rods for $800 (OEM parts). Not the
cheapest, but still better than the $1200 Branford Dodge wanted. I now have a smooth,
easy-shifting clutch! Forgot what it was like!
You guys all took a lot of stress out this adventure. And I now know of 3 places to
take the car: Stevenson's (for emergencies), L&S in Brooklyn, and Brian Holm's, of
course. Sorry, Mike Savage, your references in Boston are going to take fourth place,
but thanks. Mr. Holm, I owe you an apology for not following up on my tentative
appointment.
Thanks again!
Angel Fernandez-Chavero