Ok...so this has been happening for some time now and I haven't found any info about it, so I figured I'd get an account and ask the enthusiasts.

Sometimes, when driving, as I release the clutch, it doesn't come up all the way. It only comes up a couple inches. I can still drive at full power, and I can still step on the clutch and shift. And if i reach down and pull it back up with the tip my foot, it goes back to normal...for a while anyway. The interesting thing is this only seems to happen on a really hot day.

So what I'm wondering is:
1) Is something wrong? Does anyone know what is happening?
2) Does it hurt the car to drive it like that? (I've pulled it up every time this has happened, but it's actually very convenient to have the clutch only move a couple inches)

 

there should be a return spring down there that should help bring it around to the front. you take a look down below at the pivots for the pedal yet?

 

that does sound like the logical place to start. but it's getting traded in tomorrow (assuming they offer a reasonable price) so really no point in doing anything now. thanks anyway