55 Clipper Deluxe clutch problem

Posted by Tom Still On 2012/12/27 2:36:53

I collected this Clipper about 10 years ago; it had a defanged pinion gear. I couldn't find an overdrive rear end so it was replaced with a higher ratio one from an automatic. I noticed that the clutch would slip slightly if pushed so I drove it easily. The clutch lasted a few months and got progressively worse. I replaced it with stock parts, but it still felt soft and lasted less then a year. Clutch #3 was a racing disk and heavy springs. It lasted slightly over a year. Time and ambition deferred #4 until now. I think the problem is the 9" clutch is too small for the load. The 352 engine was bolted to a larger, I think 11", clutch. The plan for #4 is to pull the flywheel and re-drill it for a larger clutch, at least 11". I recall from 8-9 years ago thinking it looked an awful lot like the 12" one from my Chevy truck. I have access to a complete machine shop so getting the holes in the right place is no problem.

Questions I have:
Will this affect engine balance? I don't expect it to but a second opinion is good.
Will a 12" clutch fit and if so, would it be over kill?
Do I ignore, chamfer, or plug the other holes?
What other gotya's am I missing?

I don't plan to tackle this for a couple of months, but I'm collecting parts early.

It needs lots more but this will make it reliable. Thanks, Tom