Reproduction Pressure Plate

[DJ S]

I'm rebuilding my clutch as my car has a terrible chatter. So are the reproduction pressure plates any good? I don't want to go through the hassle of shipping my old pressure plate and I want to utilize a package deal on Mike's.

[SeaSlugs]

so how do you know your pressure plate is the cause of the chatter? Warped/ heat checked flywheel, oil soaked components, worn piolt bearing, worn trans input shaft, flywheel case to crank alignment all affect chatter.

[DJ S]

I don't know, but my car has seen very little maintenance in its lifetime so I plan on doing everything.

[James Rogers]

Don't overlook your rear motor mount rubbers. When they get hard and worn, they can cause chatter. Also, the rear shackles and bushings.

[Mike]

I purchased a new pressure plate and it failed within 3 weeks, If I were you I would have the flywheel resurfaced and install a new ring gear. Purchase a new clutch disk, REBUILT PRESSURE PLATE, throw out bearing and return spring, pilot bearing and install new bushings in your clutch and brake pedals. While the trans is out i would inspect the clutch and brake pedal shaft and the clutch release shaft.

mike

[Brianfrench65]

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I had chatter that was awful. My flywheel was perfect. My pressure plate was 0.035 out of flatness. I changed the pressure plate, pilot bearing, and clutch disk. It is as smooth as silk now.

Good Luck.

[Art Newland]

Originally Posted by DJ S

I'm rebuilding my clutch as my car has a terrible chatter. So are the reproduction pressure plates any good? I don't want to go through the hassle of shipping my old pressure plate and I want to utilize a package deal on Mike's.

I just installed the package deal from Mikes A fordable. I'd check with them before ordering because I purchased the kit 6-7 months ago and in the package was the disk that doesn't have the spring retainers, and some have had the springs fall out. I got a proper disk from Bert's, Bratton's sells them also but didn't have them in stock a few weeks ago. I did use the pressure plate however, adjusted per Tom W. instructions, and it works really well.

[Art Newland]

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213929

[James Rogers]

When you are into the clutch and having work done, I have never understood why anyone wouldn't just install a V8 setup. Cost is 450$ and you will spend almost that much to re-furb the stock setup to the same place and still have an extra 17-20# on the rear main.

[Mitch//pa]

The v-8 pressure plates have there own issues of the pins falling out..

[Art Newland]

Originally Posted by James Rogers

When you are into the clutch and having work done, I have never understood why anyone wouldn't just install a V8 setup. Cost is 450$ and you will spend almost that much to re-furb the stock setup to the same place and still have an extra 17-20# on the rear main.

Why do they say you have to use a balanced crank if you lighten the flywheel?

[Dick M]

The best and almost fail safe rebuilt pressure plate I have purchased is from Bert's in Denver. It actually comes with the fingers pre-set. Steve at Bert's informed me that he has used the same rebuilder for years. Not only is the rebuilt pressure plate checked for quality at every stage of the rebuild, he also bolts it to a flywheel and sets the fingers. I double checked the fingers after installing my last pressure plate from Bert's and found them to be spot on. Further, Steve informed me his rate of return of rebuilt pressure plates is practically NIL!!!! I have purchased rebuilt pressure plates from other suppliers and have had problems. It is my understanding most, if not all, new pressure plates are made in China........ Therefore, a new one is not an option for me......

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

Why do they say you have to use a balanced crank if you lighten the flywheel?

I've heard the same thing, even though it isn't true. All engines regardless of flywheel weight will greatly benefit from a counterweighted crankshaft.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by James Rogers

When you are into the clutch and having work done, I have never understood why anyone wouldn't just install a V8 setup. Cost is 450$ and you will spend almost that much to re-furb the stock setup to the same place and still have an extra 17-20# on the rear main.

James,
I know there are plus's to the V8 but honestly the trouble I see with the V8 pressure plates is that the fingers are many times welded and not adjustable as with the "A" pressure plate, and as Mitch said I've had a couple with pivot pin issues as well. The "A" clutch disc aren't any more expensive and the pressure plate rebuild is the same ( I take mine to a clutch rebuilder in jonesboro Missouri - ( Unique clutches) and they are very economical.
I always recommend resurfacing the flywheel for smoothness and doing all of those things properly and setting the fingers always produces good results.

Yes, and while the trans or engine is out ( your choice) please make sure your engine mount rubbers are good and replaced/properly installed if needed.

If you're only doing a clutch my option is to pull the rear and trans.
Larry Shepard

[TomballMottershaw]

I had a replacement Pressure plate issue.... it was because I did not fully understand or follow the find setup directions. once the plate is installed, you need to adjust the finger height, then "stake" / glue the spring nuts at that setting... or they move and it's not fun.

[Tom Wesenberg]

The pressure plate a club member bought from Little Dearborn in MPLS has self locking nuts, and this made final finger adjustment easy, and they stay put.

[Cape Codder]

Mitch,
How do you know that for sure? HA! HA!
Cape Codder

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

Mitch,
How do you know that for sure? HA! HA!
Cape Codder

[1931 flamingo]

Guys on the V8 site swear by "Fort Wayne Clutch". FWIW

Paul in CT

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Guys on the V8 site swear by "Fort Wayne Clutch". FWIW

Paul in CT

That's what I would use. And get a clutch disc with the 'caged' springs. Have your flywheel machined too. And check your U-Joint.

http://fortwayneclutch.com/

I believe Ford used the same clutch from late 1928 thru 1948 but I'm going from memory. Parts won't be hard to come by.

[updraught]

http://fortwayneclutch.com/part-cate.../other-cakits/

What does one look for on ones V8 pressure plate to know if it will stay together or fall to bits?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by updraught

http://fortwayneclutch.com/part-cate.../other-cakits/

What does one look for on ones V8 pressure plate to know if it will stay together or fall to bits?

If the pivot pins are held in by e clips
More info on this thread
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread...ighlight=Broke

[updraught]

OK. Thanks.

This looks like the critical bit.
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.p...9&postcount=52
Also, as far as I know, the V8 one needs special gear to adjust the arms.