Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi All, I still have a bit of clutch chatter in my 1936 120B conv' coupe. It was present before I pulled the car apart last year and is still present, although rather less, after a new clutch plate, resurfaced pressure plate and flywheel and new pilot bearing. The clutch specialist said the pressure plate was good with all springs consistent.
Someone mentioned there was an aftermarket stabilizer bar available to minimize or eliminate this clutch shudder. Only occurs as you let the clutch out and is more pronounced on hill starts. All suggestions welcome. By the way, new front engine mounts and revulcanised transmission mounts. The cars drive beautifully smoothly so I want to sort out this little problem.
Cheers from NZ, Mal

Mal, I can't help you but want to add that I have a similar problem. Last year I replaced the clutch disc in my 1947 Super Clipper. At the same time I had the pressure plate rebuilt, the flywheel resurfaced and installed a new pilot bearing. The clutch didn't chatter before the rebuild but it does now although more of a minor nuisance than a problem. I am hoping it will go away with time.

Having looked further through this wonderful database of posts that is PackardInfo, I have found numerous references to the stabilizer. It seems that Steele do a repro for the 1935-37 and the one with ball joints is for the 1938-39. It seems the ball joint snubber is better so I will try to locate one. I have had my car 10 years and there was never one fitted when I got it.
Cheers Mal

Since there have been several versions of this piece, wonder whether the configuration has to be exactly like the latest with the rubber encapsulated ball ends or if a more solid end would have enough flexibility or perhaps with the vertical attachment shafts encased in a urethane bushing would work.

Since so many seem to be looking for one and they appear to be rather scarce repro or otherwise, wondering if something more modern could be worked up either as a repair or complete assy.

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If someone could please refer to me a machine shop, I have located a useable new production part, however the end coming out of the short ball joint is the wrong thread - IIRC needs to be 3/8 course for the transmission, and the current part is 7/16 fine. There appears to be enough stock to cut down to 3/8, but I have been unsuccessful in finding someone to do it, as it is a right angle to the stem. Help me find the shop and Mal gets the first one....the other alternative is to go to the right angle clipper/donut version, but use of non-factory spec parts may void our warranties...

Does the piece you found come in any other thread sizes? The 3/8 coarse is easy but no 7/16 fine. Other sizes are available but 7/16 seems to be not that common. If it came in say 1/2 coarse then maybe shorten the shaft and something like this could be used.

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