Re: GearRat's '52

Posted by Ross On 2012/8/15 20:38:37

For guys ona a budget and working on jackstands, here's my suggestion:

Try to avoid taking the trans out of the car unless you know it needs to for repairs. If you pop off the solenoid and governor--which you have to anyway-- you can just slide the trans straight back in the frame far enough to get it out of the clutch. Block and strap it place.
Take out the clutch and have a look. If the pressure plate is not all scored up and blue or cracked, you can reuse it. Otherwise, tell the counterman you need one for a Ford in the same diameter. Take the clutch disc down to the auto parts store, slap it on the counter and tell them you need one the same size for a Cheby.

Take a little dab of grease on your pinky and work it into the back of the pilot bearing and make sure it spins free. If the throwout bearing is doubtful, drill a small hole in the side of the sheetmetal and work a dab of grease in with your finger or a syringe. Plug the hole with some epoxy. Put it all back together and take it for a drive. That's how I did my 51 when bucks down 40K miles ago.