The Ford Barn

inex01 · 10-30-2015, 03:34 AM

I have accomplished a major issue with my 31 Slant Sedan, what is it you ask? well I previously posted that I installed a new front spring years ago that was never prepared correctly, yesterday I installed the correctly prepared spring, adjusted the shackles, connected the shocks, installed the spring covers, adjusted the rear shackles that were slightly tight and installed more graphite in the rear spring and then the covers. Next I checked my motor mount rubbers which are only three years old and noticed that a cotter pin were missing on one bolt so I removed all three on each side and adjusted then installed new carter pins.

Went for a test drive and the CAR RIDES LIKE A NORMAL MODERN CAR! YEA!!!!! does have a very minimal vibration which may go away after I install new rubber motor mounts, but now the car is just so enjoyable to drive I just can not believe the difference

.

My next project is to pull the engine and install a lighten flywheel and V8 clutch, doing this more for medical because of my constant sciatica and this up-grade am told will give me a lighter pedal, hope it does not hurt the cars performance!

Tom Wesenberg · 10-30-2015, 07:54 AM

There is a different arm that can be installed on the clutch release shaft to give a softer pedal. It's longer and will give the throw out bearing less travel, but still should work fine.

scooder · 10-30-2015, 08:30 AM

Where would one get these longer clutch throw out arms?
Martin.

Y-Blockhead · 10-30-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooder

Where would one get these longer clutch throw out arms?
Martin.

Martin, All of the vendors have it. Here's a link to one at Bratton's http://brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID...=any&PT_ID=all

I also added this Clutch Yoke to make adjustment easier. http://brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID...=any&PT_ID=all

inex01 · 10-30-2015, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

There is a different arm that can be installed on the clutch release shaft to give a softer pedal. It's longer and will give the throw out bearing less travel, but still should work fine.

Sincerely Thank you Tom! I will definitely purchase

w.michael · 10-30-2015, 09:12 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have the V-8 clutch and lightened flywheel. It does give a somewhat easier clutch pedal action, but not a huge difference. I appreciate all the help my old knees can get, and it does help. However, I do not like the lightened flywheel. I was accustomed to driving with a "heavy weight" (original weight) flywheel for 40+ years, and the lightened flywheel changes the rhythm for shifting and double-clutching. I had to get used to a new rhythm. Also, I am much more likely to choke the engine when pulling away from a stop sign or stoplight with the lightened flywheel.

Although I have not tried the longer clutch release shaft arm that Mr. Wesenberg mentioned, I believe it would be a better answer than a V-8 clutch in terms of reduced pedal effort. It certainly would be worth a try before pulling the engine and changing the flywheel and pressure plate.

For reference, see Bratton's part no. 11270.

W. Michael

inex01 · 10-30-2015, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w.michael

I have the V-8 clutch and lightened flywheel. It does give a somewhat easier clutch pedal action, but not a huge difference. I appreciate all the help my old knees can get, and it does help. However, I do not like the lightened flywheel. I was accustomed to driving with a "heavy weight" (original weight) flywheel for 40+ years, and the lightened flywheel changes the rhythm for shifting and double-clutching. I had to get used to a new rhythm. Also, I am much more likely to choke the engine when pulling away from a stop sign or stoplight with the lightened flywheel.

Although I have not tried the longer clutch release shaft arm that Mr. Wesenberg mentioned, I believe it would be a better answer than a V-8 clutch in terms of reduced pedal effort. It certainly would be worth a try before pulling the engine and changing the flywheel and pressure plate.

For reference, see Bratton's part no. 11270.

W. Michael

I already purchased the V8 Clutch & Flywheel but I am in total agreement that I will try release shaft and if it works will just return the V8 Clutch & Flywheel as it is still in the box. Thank you for the additional information, your Guys are a credit to our hobby

scooder · 10-30-2015, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Martin, All of the vendors have it. Here's a link to one at Bratton's http://brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID...=any&PT_ID=all

I also added this Clutch Yoke to make adjustment easier. http://brattons.com/product.asp?P_ID...=any&PT_ID=all

Thanks for that, much appreciated. My useless knee will also be happier.
Martin.

P.S. · 10-30-2015, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w.michael

.... However, I do not like the lightened flywheel.

Absolutely agree with you.

I have a lightened flywheel on the 31 and standard on the 29. The 29 runs SO much smoother and is easier to drive overall. The 31 revs quicker, and the revs slow down quicker, but it sucks when trying to take off on a hill or when the wife is trying to drive it. Also, you're right about the shifting.

Long range plan is to go back to the standard flywheel on the 31 someday. It was a LOT more fun to drive before having the flywheel lightened.

J Witt · 10-30-2015, 06:17 PM

I'm not sure of the length of the longer throwout arm compared to the one (stock?) that's on my car. Currently the pedal needs to be all the way down to assure the complete release of the clutch. A longer arm would require even more travel which doesn't seem to be available.

Is there a preferred angle/dimensions for arms on the clutch to get a better travel arrangement?

Thanks,

John

Tom Wesenberg · 10-30-2015, 07:47 PM

John, did you make sure the clutch fingers were properly adjusted before you installed the pressure plate? When you bolt the pressure plate and disc to the flywheel all 6 fingers should be adjusted to 11/16" or 3/4", but make sure all 6 are even. With a properly adjusted pressure plate I haven't really needed to go all the way to the floor to shaft. I also keep my pedal at about 3/4" freeplay.

Y-Blockhead · 10-30-2015, 08:05 PM

I have the longer arm and don't have any problems with the clutch disengaging even with carpet and insulation. I do keep the pedal adjusted to 3/4" free play, as Tom suggests.

One thing for sure, it's a LOT easier on old legs that need a tune up...

10-30-2015, 03:34 AM	#1
inex01 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Rockville, Maryland Posts: 350	No More Vibration I have accomplished a major issue with my 31 Slant Sedan, what is it you ask? well I previously posted that I installed a new front spring years ago that was never prepared correctly, yesterday I installed the correctly prepared spring, adjusted the shackles, connected the shocks, installed the spring covers, adjusted the rear shackles that were slightly tight and installed more graphite in the rear spring and then the covers. Next I checked my motor mount rubbers which are only three years old and noticed that a cotter pin were missing on one bolt so I removed all three on each side and adjusted then installed new carter pins. Went for a test drive and the CAR RIDES LIKE A NORMAL MODERN CAR! YEA!!!!! does have a very minimal vibration which may go away after I install new rubber motor mounts, but now the car is just so enjoyable to drive I just can not believe the difference . My next project is to pull the engine and install a lighten flywheel and V8 clutch, doing this more for medical because of my constant sciatica and this up-grade am told will give me a lighter pedal, hope it does not hurt the cars performance! __________________ Chuck McDonald, Member of AACA, Model A Club, NRA Last edited by inex01; 10-30-2015 at 03:40 AM.

10-30-2015, 07:54 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: No More Vibration There is a different arm that can be installed on the clutch release shaft to give a softer pedal. It's longer and will give the throw out bearing less travel, but still should work fine.

10-30-2015, 08:30 AM	#3
scooder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2,593	Re: No More Vibration Where would one get these longer clutch throw out arms? Martin.

10-30-2015, 09:12 AM	#6
w.michael Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 418	Re: No More Vibration Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have the V-8 clutch and lightened flywheel. It does give a somewhat easier clutch pedal action, but not a huge difference. I appreciate all the help my old knees can get, and it does help. However, I do not like the lightened flywheel. I was accustomed to driving with a "heavy weight" (original weight) flywheel for 40+ years, and the lightened flywheel changes the rhythm for shifting and double-clutching. I had to get used to a new rhythm. Also, I am much more likely to choke the engine when pulling away from a stop sign or stoplight with the lightened flywheel. Although I have not tried the longer clutch release shaft arm that Mr. Wesenberg mentioned, I believe it would be a better answer than a V-8 clutch in terms of reduced pedal effort. It certainly would be worth a try before pulling the engine and changing the flywheel and pressure plate. For reference, see Bratton's part no. 11270. W. Michael

10-30-2015, 06:17 PM	#10
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: No More Vibration I'm not sure of the length of the longer throwout arm compared to the one (stock?) that's on my car. Currently the pedal needs to be all the way down to assure the complete release of the clutch. A longer arm would require even more travel which doesn't seem to be available. Is there a preferred angle/dimensions for arms on the clutch to get a better travel arrangement? Thanks, John __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.

10-30-2015, 07:47 PM	#11
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: No More Vibration John, did you make sure the clutch fingers were properly adjusted before you installed the pressure plate? When you bolt the pressure plate and disc to the flywheel all 6 fingers should be adjusted to 11/16" or 3/4", but make sure all 6 are even. With a properly adjusted pressure plate I haven't really needed to go all the way to the floor to shaft. I also keep my pedal at about 3/4" freeplay.

10-30-2015, 08:05 PM	#12
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: No More Vibration I have the longer arm and don't have any problems with the clutch disengaging even with carpet and insulation. I do keep the pedal adjusted to 3/4" free play, as Tom suggests. One thing for sure, it's a LOT easier on old legs that need a tune up...