Slop on Super clutch pedal

[Kenn Lara <klara@domain.elided>]

During rush hour yesterday, I felt a metallic snap while disengaging the 
clutch on my '67 Super.  The clutch pedal thereafter had more "slop" in 
it and the pedal was now resting about 1/4 inch lower than before.  
Bofore this, the brake and and clutch pedals would rest on the same 
plane.  Now the the clutch pedal rests on a lower plane, closer to me.  
The clutch seems to work fine and I am able to change gears.  I do hear a 
slight rattle during stop-and-go but would disapper at speed.

Got the car on ramps when I got home and noticed a broken/disconnected 
spring right above the clutch linkage and resting on the exhaust pipe 
connected to the header.  I believe the broken spring is what returns the 
clutch pedal to a higher position and gives it "tension" when at rest.  
And it appears the rattle is being caused by the the broken spring (one 
end is still connected to the underbody) bouncing-off the exhaust pipe.

I want to replace the spring.  I assume I need to connect it to the front 
part of the linkage rod that lies below the spring in parallel.

My questions are whether this spring has a function other than what I've 
noted above and is it safe to drive the car around for a while with the 
broken spring.

Thanks for the help.

Kenn
'67 Giulia Super aka "Nina"

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