Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-18-2018, 12:37 AM   #1
Richard in Anaheim CA
Senior Member
 
Richard in Anaheim CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Anaheim California
Posts: 551
Default Diaphragm Clutch

On lightened flywheels and V8 Clutch conversions, diaphragm pressure plates and clutch discs are becoming popular.

I would like to know what vehicle the clutch comes out of and the comparative advantages and disadvantages of this setup over the more conventional "long clutch" from early Ford V8

Thanks

Richard
Anaheim CA
Richard in Anaheim CA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 07:39 AM   #2
James Rogers
Senior Member
 
James Rogers's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Asheville,NC
Posts: 3,104
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Richard, I believe the early 60's Chevy 6 cylinder cars with a 9" disk.
James Rogers is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 03-18-2018, 11:12 AM   #3
Ron in Quincy
Senior Member
 
Ron in Quincy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Quincy, CA.
Posts: 1,708
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Richard,


If you decide to use the diaphragm clutch, the fingers at the center must be machine shortened, otherwise they will not clear the throw out bearing. You can use the same clutch disc as used with the V8 and A . Also, the flywheel must be drilled and tapped for the diaphragm or V8 pressure plate. Also the diaphragm clutch is much lower profile than the V8.


I am sure you know the above information but thought it would not hurt to list again.


Here in Quincy we are lucky that one of our members has a nice complete shop set up at he residence and does any machine work we may need.


Ron
Ron in Quincy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 11:38 AM   #4
john in illinois
Senior Member
 
john in illinois's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,181
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Richard, Here is a substitute clutch plate for the Ford Long V8 plate.
You do not have to enlarge the center arms and theybhave the correct angle for the Ford throw out bearing and hub. There is a 10 and 11”. The 10” is the one.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ure+plate,1988

Ford Barn V8 discussion. https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159786

John

Last edited by john in illinois; 03-18-2018 at 12:01 PM.
john in illinois is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 12:10 PM   #5
Jim Brierley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,066
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Clutch Masters in Rialto, I've heard, stocks a lightened wheel and diaphragm clutch. I believe it uses a Ford Ranger pickup clutch cover.
Jim Brierley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 02:57 PM   #6
wensum
Senior Member
 
wensum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 444
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I have a diaphragm clutch in my car, unfortunately I don't know what it's off as the clutch man who happened to own a Model A said this will do and also provided a modern throw-out bearing to suit which fitted the Model A. All very simple and a nice light & smooth clutch
wensum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 06:39 PM   #7
Richard in Anaheim CA
Senior Member
 
Richard in Anaheim CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Anaheim California
Posts: 551
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Thanks guys.

I can always depend on Fordbarn when my brain takes a vacation
Richard in Anaheim CA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2018, 10:36 PM   #8
CarlG
Senior Member
 
CarlG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,109
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

I have a diaphragm clutch plate in my pickup. It came with the lightened flywheel I bought from Ron Kelley.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Pressure Plate Sachs BBC1904.jpg (8.0 KB, 164 views)
__________________
Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owner's Club

Last edited by CarlG; 03-19-2018 at 03:42 PM.
CarlG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 12:44 AM   #9
hardtimes
Senior Member
 
hardtimes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South California
Posts: 6,188
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard in Anaheim CA View Post
Thanks guys.

I can always depend on Fordbarn when my brain takes a vacation



Hey Richard,
I have installed a new diaphragm pressure plate on my new B rebuild. It is 9", and I got the model / part # from CarlG here. As Carl says, his came on his engine from the rebuilder. I think that I have the part # somewhere, if you think that that would be of any help, I'll look for it ?


I've been using the B on a stand as a test mule. The parts (pressure plate/disc and flywheel) was balanced out as a unit. It runs out very smooth !


BTW...I don't know anything about the comment that you must do some mod to the clutch fingers. I have tried a new throw out bearing on the model pressure plate that I used and I can't see a problem.

Last edited by hardtimes; 03-19-2018 at 12:47 AM. Reason: ..........
hardtimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 07:56 AM   #10
BILL WILLIAMSON
Senior Member
 
BILL WILLIAMSON's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: FRESNO, CA
Posts: 12,560
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

The only shortcoming of that clutch is, when the Diaphragm decides to crack, it slips INSTANTLY!!! And "hopefully" COASTS HOME!
Bill Veryoldclutchrebuilder
__________________
"THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"
BILL WILLIAMSON is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 08:13 AM   #11
Hoop
Senior Member
 
Hoop's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 1,137
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

"BTW...I don't know anything about the comment that you must do some mod to the clutch fingers."

The fingers on the pp "grow" inward as the clutch is depressed. Note the groove cut. There's no apparent interference ... until the cutch is depressed ... then clutch pedal hangs up. Any need for modification would depend on the pp selected.

throwoutdisphragm.jpg
__________________
"Remember that when it comes to intelligence, half of all of us are below average."

Last edited by Hoop; 03-19-2018 at 09:05 AM.
Hoop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 08:27 AM   #12
western77
Senior Member
 
western77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Grand Rapids Mi
Posts: 168
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

A 9 inch pressure plate from a early ford ranger will work. Just needs new mounting holes.
western77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 08:59 AM   #13
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,010
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON View Post
The only shortcoming of that clutch is, when the Diaphragm decides to crack, it slips INSTANTLY!!! And "hopefully" COASTS HOME!
Bill Veryoldclutchrebuilder
That sounds odd compared to my experience, I had a diaphragm clutch in a 1980 F-150 that cracked and then wouldn't release.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 02:07 PM   #14
hardtimes
Senior Member
 
hardtimes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South California
Posts: 6,188
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoop View Post
"BTW...I don't know anything about the comment that you must do some mod to the clutch fingers."

The fingers on the pp "grow" inward as the clutch is depressed. Note the groove cut. There's no apparent interference ... until the cutch is depressed ... then clutch pedal hangs up. Any need for modification would depend on the pp selected.

Attachment 354665


Hey Hoop,
I see what you're saying.
I think that's why the pp that I have on the spare engine is working, as it was researched by an engine builder and found to not have to be altered. Thanks for the picture, it looks different from my pp.


Also, I've often heard some say that you need to use a 'special' throw-out bearing when using diaphragm pp. Again, my new bearing fits pp very well. My guess is that the 'fingers' , is shaped differently , may require a different bearing ? But, how to know what bearing ??
hardtimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 03:14 PM   #15
bettlesr
Senior Member
 
bettlesr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Florham Park, NJ
Posts: 396
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

When I changed my Corvette from 3 finger to diaphragm type the throwout bearing had to be changed from flat faced to curved face as the multiy fingers of the diaphragm clutch change angle as the bearing is pressed in to it.
__________________
1965 Lotus Elan S2
1930 Model A Sport Coupe
bettlesr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 03:45 PM   #16
CarlG
Senior Member
 
CarlG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,109
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by hardtimes View Post
Hey Richard,
I have installed a new diaphragm pressure plate on my new B rebuild. It is 9", and I got the model / part # from CarlG here. As Carl says, his came on his engine from the rebuilder. I think that I have the part # somewhere, if you think that that would be of any help, I'll look for it ? ...
Picture in post #8 Hover over picture for part # (Sachs BBC1904)
__________________
Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owner's Club
CarlG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2018, 01:57 AM   #17
hardtimes
Senior Member
 
hardtimes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South California
Posts: 6,188
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
Picture in post #8 Hover over picture for part # (Sachs BBC1904)
Hey Carl,
Thanks much for that post and information. Yeah, I took your advice/info and have that setup on my new B.
BTW..
hovered of picture just as you advise..nothing.
Wonder if it is just me/my machine here or what.
A short time ago (month or so) something happened. I also can't now put up the little smiley faces, can't post pictures as used to and now can't 'hover'..(smiley face here!).


Always a silver lining, if looked for though. For years, till now, when I looked at several pictures posted by anyone, I had to look at one at a time and go back an then another so forth. NOW, all of a sudden it is back like in the old days...i.e.-, I can now view first picture then just click on 'next' and voila..whoohoo ! What the heck, I'll settle for that. Past bedtime and most likely not making sense.
hardtimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2018, 11:22 AM   #18
Jim Brierley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,066
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

If you use the original flat-faced bearing, it will work but will likely give a funny feel to the clutch and not release as smoothly. The first diaphragm clutch I installed was from a high performance Mustang and the fingers rubbed on the front bearing retainer, at the very front. I merely ground a little off the internal finger diameter and all was well. The second one, from a Ranger pickup was fine as-is.
Jim Brierley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2018, 02:02 PM   #19
CarlG
Senior Member
 
CarlG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,109
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by hardtimes View Post
Hey Carl,
Thanks much for that post and information. Yeah, I took your advice/info and have that setup on my new B.
BTW..
hovered of picture just as you advise..nothing.
Wonder if it is just me/my machine here or what.
...
When I first posted that picture, the "hover" worked. 5 minutes later it didn't, so that is why I went back and posted the part number. Go figure!
__________________
Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owner's Club
CarlG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2018, 03:39 PM   #20
hardtimes
Senior Member
 
hardtimes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South California
Posts: 6,188
Default Re: Diaphragm Clutch

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
When I first posted that picture, the "hover" worked. 5 minutes later it didn't, so that is why I went back and posted the part number. Go figure!


THANKS for that (tooth grin face) !
This time it ain't me and my computer.
hardtimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:31 PM.