Clutch problem on 1967 "Sparkäfer"

[wimkever]

Here is my new to me 1967 bug.
It is a what is called in German "Sparkäfer". Engine is a 1200, small headliner and some other features for "a poor man's beetle".
It is recently restored inside and outside and I like it very much.

However there is an issue with the clutch.
The clutch pedal is very hard to press and as a result it isn't easy to go from a stop (e.g. at a traffic light) smoothly.
On top of that on pressing the clutc pedal it produces a squeaking and cracking sound. Very unpleasant.
I guess it's a lack of lubrication that can be fixed. But I fear that after proper lubrication the clutch pedal would still be hard to press.
The shop I bought the car from told me it is probably a new and therefore stiff
pressure plate.
Any thoughts on that?
TIA.
_________________
a beetle is like a cocker spaniel, always funny but sometimes not listening

[Bobs67vwagen]

Nice standard bug you have there. The shop could be right if it is indeed a new pressure plate, and could take a little time to break in. I have not experienced that in many years of owning bugs that I put new clutches in. If you can find out from the previous owner what clutch they put in that may explain it. When you step the clutch in the cable moves the clutch release bearing operating shaft in the transmission. This shaft could be worn after all these years making it difficult to pivot. The release bearing could also be bad. If it gets worse the engine will have to be removed to repair it. Good luck-Bob

[bnam]

New pressure plates are softer than the old OE style plate. I suspect some other issue. I wonder if the conduit that houses the cable is broken or detached from the tunnel.
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1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
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1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

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