Clutch?
 

I’m restoring a 51 F-1 V8 with Merc crank, column shift espy. I was already thinking about the clutch but now, due to a bizarre string of events, the flywheel was dumped at recycling (crazy, I know). Anyway, here’s what I’m thinking; I don’t know if it’s true with V8’s but it is true with some other drivelines that using the truck clutch may not be the best route to go. Sometimes the springs in the disc itself are on the strong side (chatter) for a passenger car. This F-1 is never going to haul anything heavier than a set of golf clubs so I am treating the build as a plain old school hot rod. Since I have to buy a flywheel anyway, now is the time to decide about the clutch. To be clear, It is not really the pedal pressure that I’m concerned with, it’s a smooth engagement I’m looking for. The truck had an 11” 10 spline clutch until now.

Re: Clutch?
 

I've had good luck with Centerforce clutches. Dual friction. It's a centrifical clutch. They have lots of different combos, maybe one to fit your truck.

Re: Clutch?
 

A 10" clutch should be fine for what you want. For a while someone was offering a diaphragm style clutch that fit the stock bolt batter and used the stock throw out bearing. I don't know if that is still available. I avoid new stock style clutch kits after both a personal bad experience and friends bad experiences. I now look for NOS re-manufactured clutch disks and good pressure plates. I slowly collect them when I find them cheap at swap meets and have a few for my future needs. You may be able to get what you need from a NOS parts vendor like Southside Obsolete, but I can't guarantee that.

Re: Clutch?
 

Van Pelt Sales can walk you through your choices. I used a standard clutch in my '52 F-1 for years and used the TO bearing and holder (?) from Van Pelts. Check them out... Chap

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/

Re: Clutch?
 

Re: Clutch?
 

Re: Clutch?
 

I have a 286 CI flathead in my 50 Custom. Trans is a five speed T-5 out of a 92 or 93 Mustang. I'm using an 11 inch clutch and flywheel. Some say that your left leg is going to get tired with that 11 inch clutch but I don't find it to be a problem. (I"m 84), Call Fort Wayne clutch and talk with them. You might save a lot of money.

Re: Clutch?
 

Kentucky Clutch
https://kyclutch.com/

Re: Clutch?
 

I recently had RAM clutches make me a couple billet (lightened) flywheels and clutch packages for two different flatheads. The stuff wasn't cheap - but I wasn't looking for cheap . . . I was looking for somebody to make what I wanted!

Re: Clutch?
 

Same and would not hesitate to use again.