My 66 289 3 speed Mustang makes a terrible vibration when I release the clutch in first gear. The whole car shakes. Second and third gear are fine. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

I'm assuming this is during normal take off and not a drag launch that might cause wheel hop

First thing I'd check would be motor and tranny mounts. Broken mounts are sure to cause vibrations exactly like that.

Assuming the mounts are ok, start looking at the clutch linkage. Bent linkage or worn (or missing) bushings will cause similar problems. It's very, very common for the bushings and felt grease retainers for the clutch z-bar to be missing entirely. Take the z-bar in your hand and see if you can slide it left to right. If you can, you need to replace the bushings and felts.

If neither of these things fix the problem, it's likely clutch chatter, which will require replaecment of the clutch.

 

yeah +1 and possibly the bar itself

 

The shifter should move way to the right when you start off if you have a broken mount.

Besides those mentioned another possibility is a worn pilot bearing.

 

im having hte same problem but its only when i leave from dead stop and, for some reason my back tires keep making a odd sound. but really id also check your U joints.