Classic/Antique Car Repair: Clutch travel, loose clutch, clutch release

Question
Howard,

77 spit with over 120K miles. My problem is INTERMITTANTLY I loose the clutch. Cant even put it in first gear with engine running. At other times the clutch works perfectly, no bumps no grinds. If I wait a few moments it comes back to normal. but when its gone, its gone !!

I have bled and bled. bleeder on top. New master and slave. no leaks, fluid stays topped.  Repalced worn pedal and master pin. Dot 4 is the juice. Do I still have air in the system? Should i do the 2X4 pedal to the metal trick? Again I dont think it is mechanical travel as the problem comes and goes.

I have had this car for over 25 years and have done it all.

rebuilt, engine converted gearbox to J overdrive. diff bearings axles. U name it!

I have never experienced this type of symptom with the clutch before. Bleeding was always breeze!! Please dont tell me i need to pull the gearbox.  

Answer
Hi Ray,
At the time you can not go into a gear from neutral, Did the clutch peddle feel normal? If it was normal to the feel, it is unlikely air in the system. Plus air will not come and go. When it will not go into gear did you try to put it into other gears? and does it grind or just not go into a gear? Does pumping the peddle help? Does it ever show up on a shift between gears?
I would like to tell you it is not inside but there are very few things except hydrolics outside.
Things that can make one not engage a gear are,
pilot bearing
disk sticking on spline of input shaft(first motion shaft)
disk lining loose
Clutch release bearing coming apart.
You can answer my above questions via e-mail @ fitzcharlesh@bellsouth.net