Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I finally have my restorable 51 Packard coupe. It is originaly from Texas (I picked it up in Kansas last month), so it is very solid and will make a great start for a project car. Although it's far from perfect, it does run well, and is very close to being road ready. I need as new clutch to be it back on the road. I know I can get parts from Kanter, or Max Merritt. But a friend suggested trying to go directly to a clutch manufacturing to same some $$.

Does anyone out there have any such sources for clutch parts. Suggestions or horror stories welcomed. Thanks!

P.S. Yes, I already put it in the registry.

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Quote:I know, see this post. And again

Go to your local parts store and buy a 9" clutch disc for a 10 spline Chevrolet, direct fit and works perfectly.

Nice looking car and great start. Looks like the pit crew is rarin' to go.

Yeah, that's my son Ethan behind the wheel, and his best buddy Sam. I couldn't resist posting that pic.

If your clutch is an original, they are higher quality than the replacements from other makes and I'd recommend a rebuild by Fort Wayne Clutch. And have the flywheel resurfaced by your local machine shop. And of course replace the pilot and throw-out bearings.

Is a 9" disc the correct size? I sm thinking they are either 10 1/2" or 11", but Eric is seldom wrong. Can you mix a Borg & Beck disc with a Long cover (pressure plate)?

(o{I}o)

When I replaced the clutch in my 38 I went up to my local transmission and clutch store and handed them my old parts. The lady disappeared into the back and came back with a Chevy disk and a Ford pressure plate. Cost me about $160.

Quote:

I just went out and measured my '53 Clipper disc and it's 10", so we're both wrong, lol!

I'm thinking the 356 engine uses an 11" disc. And I'm thinking that I'd stick with the Long style pressure plate.

Eric & Phil, questions answered. Thanks. Important to try and keep the information on this site as accurate as possible. I believe the flywheel would have a different bolt pattern for the Long and Borg & Beck pressure plates, and engines originally equipped with the B&B clutch have a suffix with the engine number to identify. Also, good to know the B&B disc can be used with the Long plate.

(o{I}o)