Nova clutch disc Q

[hardtimes]

I need a 9" nova clutch disc. for my Ford '39 applicaton. #24815-1306
These must no longer be made , as I can not locate source. I've used this disc, due to the springs being 'captured' and unable to come out of disc, like other disc used. Anyone know if Nova disc maker is out of business and I've just not found their product ? Maybe have to locate such a core to rebuild, eh

[rotorwrench]

You may know about what Nova (Chevy II? Later Nova?) this disk was for but many of us may not. If you could be more specific you may get more help on this. GM did make some stuff that only fit a few models but a lot of stuff crosses over depending on engine type & size.

[TagMan]

Go to JEG'S, Summit, RockAuto websites or just google nova clutch disk. You didn't specify what year(s) Nova the 9" disk was used in, nor the engine size or anything to allow us to assist you.

I'm 99% positive you can get a clutch for damn near anything. We have a clutch & brake shop locally that will re-line your old disk and I'm certain there are places that will do the same in most every city. More than one way to skin a cat !

[Fordors]

I believe he is referring to a manufacturer and not a clutch for a particular vehicle. Nova Clutch has folded their tent and ceased business.

[rotorwrench]

Still just as clear as mud. I've never heard of them.

[hardtimes]

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Originally Posted by Fordors

I believe he is referring to a manufacturer and not a clutch for a particular vehicle. Nova Clutch has folded their tent and ceased business.

Hey Fordors,
Thanks, I think. At least I know not to look for a new one from them

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Still just as clear as mud. I've never heard of them.

You who are confused are correct, in that, I should have been more detailed/specific.

Nova Disc Clutch Inc., is where I used to get my new disc for my setup, which is a '39 Ford toploader adapted to the '32 warmed up B in my '30 roadster. This is the same 9in that fits Model A right up thru 40s flatheads. Ten spline disc , ten spline input shaft.

The great thing , IMO, about this Nova disc, is that it was the only disc that I ever found that the maker had remedied the problem of the disc springs wearing and popping out of the disc and into the works, or hopefully just falling down into the bell housing. Used with the 9in pressure plate that has the centrifugal wts...and the setup was fairly bullet proof.

Now if only someone here had core for rebuild !!

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by TagMan

Go to JEG'S, Summit, RockAuto websites or just google nova clutch disk. You didn't specify what year(s) Nova the 9" disk was used in, nor the engine size or anything to allow us to assist you.

I'm 99% positive you can get a clutch for damn near anything. We have a clutch & brake shop locally that will re-line your old disk and I'm certain there are places that will do the same in most every city. More than one way to skin a cat !

Hm, yeah a clutch rebuilder shop may have such core or rebuild unit. I'll take your advice and look further. Any (stock) Ford flathead used this type 9in disc. A little more modern than the Model A disc and a great upgrade ! I do not want to take mine down yet , as it's running. Have built another engine and looking for the same Nova. If you've ever run a flathead until the springs in the disc were rattling and/or fell out, you know what I'm saying. Odd other disc makers haven't improved their disc product with this easy fix. But , then maybe wouldn't sell as many replacements, eh ?

[old victoria]

call fort wayne clutch, 1 800 258 8243 they are the best, you will not have a problem with there products.

[rotorwrench]

Some of the discs have a formed flange on each side of the spring. It's sort of bent at an angle in the slots that will bed the spring on both inner and outer edges of the torsion damper plates. Most of the new 9-inch types don't have much to hold the torsion damper springs in there.

I'm curious how the Nova Clutch Inc outfit made their torsion damper on the disc assembly or if it even had one incorporated into the design. A photo of one would be good.

[Bob C]

Here is some info from an old post.

Tom Endy
Senior Member



Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,064


Re: Clutch disc with spring center
The clutch disk shown in post number 6 by Bogdonj is what most Model A suppliers today are selling. However, I have seen several of these fail due to one of the springs dislodging from a mounting slot and jamming the clutch. The springs are not held in place by much, they look to be held in place only by their own tension. You can easily knock one out with a nominal tap with a small hammer.

Years ago there was a company called Nova that made a superior clutch. However, they are no longer in business. The attached photo here shows one. Note that there is a flange around each spring. There are also flanges on the back side. The flanges will prevent the springs from dislodging. I have picked up several Nova clutch disks at swap meets for a few dollars and bead blasted them and measured the thickness. If they are not soaked in oil and the thickness is within spec they are good to use. One has been in my Victoria for at least 10,000 miles.

Recently I noticed a fellow club member bought a new clutch disk from Bratton and it was made similar to the Nova clutch with the spring retainer flanges. I don't know who the mfg is, but I would certainly go that route if I was in need of a new clutch disk.

Tom Endy

[rotorwrench]

That is a photo of what I described earlier. Borg Warner made them that way and likely a few other after market manufacturers over the years but the modern stuff ???????

Ft Wayne Clutch or other reputable clutch shops can easily rebuild those. My old Mercury cars use the Borg & Beck clutch that are not reproduced. Ft Wayne does a good job on both the clutch covers and the discs. They reuse what's serviceable and replace what's not. If a person is concerned about what they are sending and what they are expecting back, the request for work should be made plain to them so you get what you want back. I write my request on a note & put it in the box with the cores after I call them and tell them it's on the way. There is a lot of the reproduction open window types out there now and that's not what you want.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by old victoria

call fort wayne clutch, 1 800 258 8243 they are the best, you will not have a problem with there products.

Will do , thanks for the detail info .

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Here is some info from an old post.

Tom Endy
Senior Member



Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,064


Re: Clutch disc with spring center
The clutch disk shown in post number 6 by Bogdonj is what most Model A suppliers today are selling. However, I have seen several of these fail due to one of the springs dislodging from a mounting slot and jamming the clutch. The springs are not held in place by much, they look to be held in place only by their own tension. You can easily knock one out with a nominal tap with a small hammer.

Years ago there was a company called Nova that made a superior clutch. However, they are no longer in business. The attached photo here shows one. Note that there is a flange around each spring. There are also flanges on the back side. The flanges will prevent the springs from dislodging. I have picked up several Nova clutch disks at swap meets for a few dollars and bead blasted them and measured the thickness. If they are not soaked in oil and the thickness is within spec they are good to use. One has been in my Victoria for at least 10,000 miles.

Recently I noticed a fellow club member bought a new clutch disk from Bratton and it was made similar to the Nova clutch with the spring retainer flanges. I don't know who the mfg is, but I would certainly go that route if I was in need of a new clutch disk.

Tom Endy

Thanks for putting up this disc picture, as it is the subject of my thread/discussion !
I'll locate a core sooner or later to have rebuilt. Swap meets equal good idea !
As said, anyone who has run flatheads for very long , knows what a pia the 'cheaply' made discs, without the spring capture flanges can be. Disassembly of the torque tube setup to replace a disc , due to a noisey or expelled spring is not fun.

If Bratton sells the improved disc, that will be great info. I will follow up on that lead

FOLLOW UP:
Indeed, Brattons on line catalogue shows a disc like the (Nova) one that I am seeking !!
Part #11400.
Also has the V8 pressure plate, part #11460
Done/done !
Thanks guys for your help.