1962 340 hp Clutch Question

[Jerry W.]

I have been reading the archive posts ( valuable applicable info there...thanks )....One of the posts had to do with using a centerforce type clutch with resulting over center godzilla spring problems causing the petal to stay on the floor.....Some posts indicates that others didn't have the same problem after conversion..

since we were planning to buy a centerforce clutch for this resto.....I'm now a little gun-shy to deviate from the stock 3 finger type clutch.

Any futher thoughts on this ?

[Duke W.]

Re: 1962 340 hp Clutch Question

The diaphragm type clutch first showed up in 1963, and I never experienced this "problem" with my 340 HP SWC. I believe the generic OE replacement diaphragm clutch (Luk, Sachs, Borg Warner...) will fit a '62, and it should lessen pedal effort.

I think you will find that many of us recommend the above over the Centerforce.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: 1962 340 hp Clutch Question

since we were planning to buy a centerforce clutch for this resto.....I'm now a little gun-shy to deviate from the stock 3 finger type clutch.

Any futher thoughts on this ?

Jerry -

I used the LuK "Rep-Set" 10.5" diaphragm clutch (from Paragon) on both my 57's, and they were excellent - low pedal pressure, smooth engagement, no slippage, no issues. Unless you're going to really beat on it, a LuK (or Sachs, which is a division of LuK) clutch will work just fine.

I removed the "Godzilla spring" from both of them, as it wasn't necessary, and used a conventional return spring. Forget the old-tech 3-finger B&B clutch pressure plate - they're dinosaurs, unless you're into building up your leg muscles.

[Jeff C.]

Re: 1962 340 hp Clutch Question

Jerry,
I used a center force when I rebuilt the engine. It works well but it's very expensive and a little blockage from the floor mats will keep the pedal on the floor. I would not buy it again.
Jeff

[Jerry W.]

Re: 1962 340 hp Clutch Question

JOhn....I read something similar to your post in the archives....Did you remove the over center brkt of the top lever of the cross shaft and anchor the replacemant spring on the cross shaft top lever....then the other end in the same place as original on the frame ?

[John H.]

Re: 1962 340 hp Clutch Question

JOhn....I read something similar to your post in the archives....Did you remove the over center brkt of the top lever of the cross shaft and anchor the replacemant spring on the cross shaft top lever....then the other end in the same place as original on the frame ?

Jerry -

Yes - After having the cars judged, I fabricated a new bracket that utilized the two top holes in the lever (where the original over-center bracket attached), and used a suitable storm door spring (painted black) down to the bracket on the frame. The new bracket geometry made it function only as a return spring. It wouldn't fool a judge, but looked original to the casual observer.