Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Attached are photos of a Multi Disc Bell Housing that has been modified to accept a later Bearing Retainer and Sleeve for Throwout Beating; also shows the later Fork adapted to a early shaft with keyway and pin. I used a 1930 Fork as its made with a keyway.

The 2nd photo shows the early clutch arm which lines up properly with the very early clutch pedal (smooth face, no ribs).

The 3rd photo shows a early 28 Transmission ( with large boss reverse idler gear) and the later input shaft; it was necessary to drill and tap the front of the transmission for mounting the Bearing Retainer and Sleeve.

The 28 Fork Shaft is slighty longer than the later Fork Shafts, note the colar and pin on the right side of the housing in photo 1. This keeps the outside visual of the housing looking correct. The 28 shaft is cut with a keyway so this also saves another operation

This is the 2nd set up I have made; the first set up was installed in A566 and still working just fine and appears to have a Multi Disc Clutch.

To save someone from trying to make this conversion it is important to know that it also requires using a V8 or Cone type Pressure Plate; you can not use a standard A Pressure Plate as it will not clear the inside of the Multi Disc Bell Housing. If uising a Cone Pressure Plate it also requires maching the fingers in order to clear the throw out bearing Sleeve.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

What is the problem with the multi-disk clutch? I was always under the impression that the early clutches were pretty trouble free, although can get problems with the disks sequentially "hanging up" by dusting.

Still, if kept clean, they worked pretty well didn't they?

Need special tools to work on. Ingenious DIYs can get past if they're aware of the hazard.

Don't own one, but was always curious.

Joe K

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Joe K,

There is nothing wrong with the Multi-Disc Clutch, the problem is finding a good Flywheel that the splines are not ridged from the clutch thrusting into the splines; the clutch need to slide freely in the splines.

I still have the Multi-Disc in my Light Delivery (A1276) and its works fine; however, I have changed the drive to the DR Starter Drive (a Bendix Drive that Ford came out with to replace the Able Drive which was not one of Ford's better ideas) the DR drive conversion is covered in the Service Bulletins.

Ron Rude

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Ron,
I bought this off ebay...the guy did a nice job on the fork too make it work!
Yes, it's the early bell housing that has the modification.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

I Have 2 of these Transmissions and would like to convert them to Disk Clutches.
Are you saying to take the Imput Shaft from a Later Trans with the Bearing Retainer, and drill and Tap it to the 28 Trans?

Or are You using the 28 Imput Shaft with a Later Bearing Retainer ?
Cant find any Good Multi Disk Flywheels, usually the Sprines are worn thin when I do find one. But have a couple of crates of 29 - 31 Trans parts.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Yes, to your first question and no to the second...
You can also use the the later transmission case without doing a thing.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Don,

I think I heard Steve Becker at Bert's say one time that the multidisk clutch flywheel housings or bell housing (not sure which one) is different so you must change to a standard flywheel housing or bell housing with the conversion.

I am going from memory here so I might be wrong.

You might give him a call 0900-1600 MST tomorrow.

1-800-321-1931

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

The flywheel housing is the same, but the clutch housing would be different. The pedal shaft size for one thing is different. The inspection cover is also a different shape.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Ron really needs to write a tutorial on this so it is well understood...what do you say Mr. Rude?

Pluck

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

I have been told that there are also two variations on the multi-disc flywheel. An area on the outside diameter was machined an amount to account for a change in the starter shaft diameter?????

Anyone able to confirm / explain that???

Any pictures???

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Don,

On the one I have, the inside of the bellhousing was machined, I presume from
the guy I bought it from, too clear the flywheel and pressure plate of a standard
Model A single plate setup. If I get some time, I will post a photo.

Will,

Yes, there are 2 styles of multi-disk flywheels. The later, I believe, was cut
back some too clear the 5/8" starter shaft/Bendix. If I'm wrong, I'm sure I'll
hear about this!

Dudley

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

I have added some additional information to my post on the conversion reguarding the type Pressure Plate that must be used.

The conversion can not be done using a standard A Pressure Plate.

Sorry,

Ron Rude

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Don,...Here is the photo..

Ron,...Is this normal, for this procedure? I just figured it was too clear the
stock single plate Model A?!

BTW...You need to look closely, the machined area, about half way down.
If you need another photo,...say so. Thanks, Dudley

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Hey, Dudly,
Thanks for the reply. I have heard that before and I would like to find a picture or a sketch to better understand that as I am preparing for a clutch seminar and would like to make sure that I understand where the machining is being done.

Thanks, again.

Re: Multi Disc Bell Housing Conversion
 

Don and Will...

From the flat surface, @ the starter too the center of the radius cut...2.325"
Across the cut...11.5"

Oh ya...it's thin...I'd say they cut half the wall. I bought it of ebay, maybe 12
years ago, so I never saw it in person. If I had, I would do my own thing (Ron's
thing )!