Clutch Plate Advice

[Sam A.]

Hello all,

I am in the process of replacing the clutch in my 40 Sedan. I purchased a NOS one from Ebay, manufactured by Perfection Gear Company (CF174). Are the old clutch plates a better choice than what is currently being produced? Do the old ones not last as long?

Thanks in advance for the input,
Sam

[Tim Ayers]

I am using a Centerforce diaphragm pressure plate and their disc plate in my '28 AV8. I love it. Easy to depress, but grabs firm and released smoothly. It's a pricey option, but I highly recommend it.

[Sam A.]

I will check that out...thanks!

[Ken/Alabama]

Just don’t buy any of the off shore junk. I’ll take NOS or old reman pressure plates and clutch disc all day long.

[Sam A.]

Yeah....exactly why I bought this one.

[Gene1949]

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Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I am using a Centerforce diaphragm pressure plate and their disc plate in my '28 AV8. I love it. Easy to depress, but grabs firm and released smoothly. It's a pricey option, but I highly recommend it.

As will I highly recommend their products. I pulled a perfectly good 3 finger clutch because one of the fingers came out of adjustment.
No more "chattering" clutches
or sore knees because some "Rodney Racer" suggested a heavily sprung pressure plate was needed for a "heavily modified" flathead putting out a whopping 200+hp.

[flathead4rd]

Go to fortwayneclutch.com Lots of flatheaders say it's the best.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by flathead4rd

Go to fortwayneclutch.com Lots of flatheaders say it's the best.

Fort Wayne is simply a parts reseller now. I would go to Mac Van Pelt if looking for a tradition clutch/pressure plate.

[Krylon32]

I have been sending all my customers that use my T5 kit to Fort Wayne Clutch because when I started they were selling quality USA made products. I'm now getting some feedback that they may now be selling offshore manufactured products but I can't confirm that. I will contact them and ask.

[tubman]

To set the record straight, I believe I was the first one to report problems with Fort Wayne Clutch. Here is my post : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...lutch.1242719/.

[Krylon32]

I'm sorry, I never saw your post.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Krylon32

I'm sorry, I never saw your post.

Nothing to be sorry about; I just reiterated what someone from Fort Wayne told me. I'd like it to be not true, but I'm pretty sure it is.

[markdtn]

Here in Chattanooga TN we use Felton's Clutch. They reman all manner of clutches for cars, tractors, trucks, and equipment. Very knowledgeable. I came in with an 8BA flywheel and he knew exactly what it was at a glance. He had a Mercury (B&B) pressure plate in stock. They do all the work in house from rebuilding clutch discs, pressure plates, and resurfacing flywheels. They do stock and I am told performance as well. I assume they would ship, but clutches are heavy so I am sure shipping will be expensive. If you can't find anything else, might give them a call.

[Sam A.]

Thank you!......also....I forgot to wedge the fingers in my pressure plate with wood when I removed it. Have I caused some kind of warpage now?

[cadillac512]

No, you wouldn't have damaged anything. May want to install wedges when you go back together to make it easier to bolt down evenly though...and tying string or light wire to them will make 'em easier to retrieve in case they drop when you tighten the bolts.

[cas3]

About 5 years ago, I bought the disk and PP from FT Wayne over the phone. At that time, they had cheaper parts listed on ebay. I asked why, they said ebay parts are new parts from china, and when you order direct on the phone, you get rebuilt American made stuff. So... you need my core ? no, we have plenty he said. Thats all I have to say, the fella from TN has a good option, and here in the swamp we have "clutch doctor", a small 1 man shop who rebuilds your parts...google it up

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

Just don’t buy any of the off shore junk. I’ll take NOS or old reman pressure plates and clutch disc all day long.

Very true.....and good advice!
Many of our parts suppliers are, or were carrying offshore clutch and pressure plates that are basically junk.
I've been using and recommending rebuilt clutch and pressure plates from Fort Wayne Clutch and Driveline for the last 10-15 years, but now that they no longer provide this service, I'll check out the options being suggested in this thread.