Unless someone has changed it, the pedal actuates the master cylinder (that is included with the brake master cylinder) which engages the slave cylinder on the right side of the bellhousing. V-8's and 6 cylinder vehicles of your vintage were designed this way. Other years had a pedal that actuated some linkage to engage the clutch arm on the left side of the bellhousing. I suppose you could fabricate some linkage or find some from a later vehicle to accomplish this feat. It sounds like you know how to make it work.
Fred


1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine