Seized clutch mk2 escort

[mjsrb5]

Hi Folks,
My mk2 RS2000 has been sitting for about 2 months, I started it today and was planning to take it for a wee run up the farm road but it wouldn't go into gear while the engine was running and if I put it in gear before starting it then tried to start it with the clutch pedal pressed in it just jumps forward.
It's a standard 4 speed gearbox / clutch.
It was a bit sticky putting it in gear when I first got it so I'm guessing the clutch has seized.
What's the best / easiest way to free it up?
Here's a couple of pics of the beige bomber

[cobblers]

Usual method is to get the back wheels off the floor on something sturdy, then get the wheels spinning up in 4th gear up to as fast as you dare, then slam the brakes on. Obviously all this needs to be done while holding the clutch down, so you'll need your mate jake the rake to do this or wedge the clutch down with a bit of wood off the seat or something


They apparently free up better when warm, so let it run for a bit in neutral.

[mjsrb5]

Cheers mate,
That's what I like, an easy fix that doesn't involve removing the gearbox I'll give it a try.

[cobblers]

Just make sure the car isn't aimed at anything expensive, just in case!

[grasser26]

Hi-As above,warm the car up in neutral,then switch off and try starting it in gear,2nd maybe with the clutch down and the car pointing out of your garage,with clear access in front of it.If this works then you might consider a piece of wood jammed between the seat and pedal to keep the clutch down whilst the car is stored.Also make sure you've good antifreeze in it. Lovely car,enjoy it.

[bortaf]

As above jacking up and dropping ect is WAY down on the list of things to try to unstick a clutch!
warm it up, helps no end then just stamp on the brakes and clutch whilst driving and or hit the gas and lift off with the clutch down but 9 times out of 10 just warming it up will do it.
Not a fan of wood on the pedal for storage, you'll stretch the cable and the clutch springs will suffer from being compressed for so long.

[popuptoaster]

Escort clutch cables are cheap and easy to fit, if the old one looks at all iffy I'd change that as well.

[mjsrb5]

Cheers for the advice everyone, I got it freed up today.
I warmed it up then tried starting it while in gear, had to do it in reverse first to avoid going through the shed.
Did this for ages but no luck so I left it ticking over for 30 min with the clutch pedal jammed down.
This did the trick
The engine will be coming out over winter so I'll get everything seen to then.