I put a 302 and manual transmission in my '51 this fall and finally got it all put back together and running. I used the hydraulic clutch setup with hanging pedals from Industrial Chassis.

My problem is that I can't get the clutch to disengage. At first I thought I just didn't have the system completely bled so I kept bleeding it. After several attempts, I noticed that the pedal kept moving closer to the floor. Upon closer inspection, the clutch pedal pivot shaft has twisted. I talked to Steve at IC about it and he hasn't had this problem before and thinks that something is holding the clutch up or the MC is damaged.

So, here is my question - should I be able to release the clutch manually (its just a NAPA diaphragm type stock replacement clutch) by pressing or pulling on the throw-out arm by hand??? or possibly with a pry-bar??

Steve seems to think I should be able to do that but I'm not so sure. I can put a pry bar on the arm and pry against the spring hanger and it will start to release but not completely. I don't know if something is hanging up or I just can't get enough leverage to get it all the way (laying on my back under the truck etc)

Any ideas on what could possibly be hanging it up?? the TO bearing slides back and forth fine etc. I really really don't want to have to pull everything back out and find out the clutch is just fine!!!

Any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated!!
Thanks