The Ford Barn

nkaminar · 03-20-2025, 01:24 PM

I agree with Y-Blockhead, Post #20. The welded up lever looks substantial. This is too high a stress area for cast iron.

The original design had a key and a smaller pin. I think eliminating the key, and keyway, was a cost cutting move. Or did the original lever crack along the keyway?

katy · 03-21-2025, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

This is too high a stress area for cast iron.

I would think that originals are either malleable or cast steel not cast iron.

Gene F · 03-21-2025, 04:59 PM

A few years back one of the guys in my local A chapter tried a repro, and it would not work right. He came over one Saturday, and he and I drove the pin out and pulled one off the shaft. He tried, and tried to pay me, but I refused. He drives his car, and drives it on tour with us. I knew if I gave him the part it would not live for years and years on the workbench. I was happy to give it to him, and glad he got his car fixed.

Keith True · 03-21-2025, 05:17 PM

I welded one back in the early 80's.I opened the crack up a little more with a grinder,clamped it tight with a pair of vise grips,and welded it.I planned to replace it,but kind of forgot about it.My friend has the car now,I'll have to remember to tell him about it.That one will have to be cut off with a wheel,I welded across the whole break,right over the pin.

03-20-2025, 01:24 PM	#1
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,855	Re: Clutch release arm crack I agree with Y-Blockhead, Post #20. The welded up lever looks substantial. This is too high a stress area for cast iron. The original design had a key and a smaller pin. I think eliminating the key, and keyway, was a cost cutting move. Or did the original lever crack along the keyway? __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

03-21-2025, 04:59 PM	#3
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,476	Re: Clutch release arm crack A few years back one of the guys in my local A chapter tried a repro, and it would not work right. He came over one Saturday, and he and I drove the pin out and pulled one off the shaft. He tried, and tried to pay me, but I refused. He drives his car, and drives it on tour with us. I knew if I gave him the part it would not live for years and years on the workbench. I was happy to give it to him, and glad he got his car fixed.

03-21-2025, 05:17 PM	#4
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 3,421	Re: Clutch release arm crack I welded one back in the early 80's.I opened the crack up a little more with a grinder,clamped it tight with a pair of vise grips,and welded it.I planned to replace it,but kind of forgot about it.My friend has the car now,I'll have to remember to tell him about it.That one will have to be cut off with a wheel,I welded across the whole break,right over the pin.