1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

[Scott S.]

I was investigating the various replacement clutch options, and I was leaning toward the LUK clutch kit, since they are an OEM supplier and have made clutches for Corvettes in the past (C4's, if I remember correctly).

I didn't see much discussion in the archives about getting original clutches rebuilt. I think I have the original clutch. The three bolts visible in picture four have a "C" headmark with 3 hash-marks (SAE grade 5, I think). If this is the original clutch, is there any reason not to get it rebuilt?

Thanks,

Scott

1967, L79, M21, 3.70R

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Here is the flywheel, I am almost certain this is the original, the car was built Jan. 11, 1967:


Casting # 3791021
GM 10
Date: J276 (October 27, 1966)

I think this is a 153 tooth, standard weight, 12 3/4" flywheel for use with 10 1/2" clutches.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Scott,

I see no reason that the clutch can't be rebuilt, that's what I would do. In the archives, there is a rebuilder mentioned that is well liked.

Put in a new pilot bushing and release bearing, also check your clutch fork for wear at the end where the throwout bearing rides.

Make sure you have the assembly, (pressure plate and flywheel) balanced. No need to worry about the disc as it spins freely between the two parts.

[Ken A.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

For $100 bucks for a LUK it's not too practical to rebuild an old clutch. I 've never had much luck with a rebuilt clutch, especially when it come to balance. I would true the flywheel & reuse it.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

I didn't see much discussion in the archives about getting original clutches rebuilt. I think I have the original clutch............

Scott -- Here's two NOS discs; note the head markings on the rivets (GM for the 3927128, and Borg & Beck for the 3845260). This might give some indication of originality, even though these are service units. Not much luck in saving the rivets .

[Steven B.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Scott, if you rebuild Fort Wayne Clutch in Ft. Wayne, IN is excellent, they do alot of Corvette clutches and driveline components, classic, vintage, racing, etc. I have been to the facility and they are very thorough. Search Fort Wayne Clutch for contact info.

Steve

[Steven B.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

[quote=Steven Brohard (5759);499839]Scott, if you rebuild Fort Wayne Clutch in Ft. Wayne, IN is excellent, they do alot of Corvette clutches and driveline components, classic, vintage, racing, etc. I have been to the facility and they are very thorough. Below is contact info.

Steve

Here is the info:

CORVETTE ENTHUSIASTS
CLUTCHES & DRIVESHAFTS

Fort Wayne Clutch & Driveline provides a special line of items for our fellow corvette enthusiasts. Our E-Z Pedal Clutch
Kits lighten the load and requires 50% of the normal pedal effort. This will help you enjoy your classic corvette more! These clutch kits are available at the same price as listed below.

We also offer high performance clutch kits and driveline parts for your classic corvette.

If you would like your original items rebuilt, you can call us at 800-258-8243 for a price quote. Or, send your original parts to our shop:

Fort Wayne Clutch & Driveline
2424 Goshen Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46808

If you are looking for an item not listed, please give us a call at 800-258-8243 or e-mail us at:


clutches@fortwayneclutch.com

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Thank you to everyone for the replies. I checked the clutch disk, and it has the "GM" rivets, but that's not surprising. I don't know if it's the original disk or not, but it's old enough that if it was replaced, a GM service replacement was probably normal.

From a restoration perspective, and trying to preserve as much of the original car as reasonably possible, I would like to have the clutch rebuilt, if it's original.

How do I determine that, and which part(s) are actually rebuilt as opposed to being replaced?

I have never had a clutch rebuilt before, so please explain if I am missing something. If I understand correctly, there is just the clutch housing, the pressure plate, the clutch disk, the throw out bearing and the flywheel that make up the clutch assembly (my clutch fork is worn and needs to be replaced also). The flywheel will be resurfaced and balanced, the clutch disc replaced. Is the clutch housing separate from the pressure plate, and is the pressure plate replaced during a rebuild also?

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Steven, thank you for posting the Fort Wayne Clutch & Driveline contact info.

[Loren L.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

If Borg & Beck is still around, they used to offer remanufactured discs, ie, all new components except for the metal pieces. NAPA used to offer a clutch/pressure plate package (from Borg-Warner??).
I wouldn't have a problem with remanufactured from a NAME source, but a lot less faith in the do it yourselfer or the guy working out of his garage. The bill to replace with new is not that high and you do NOT want to do it again in 3 months.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

If Borg & Beck is still around, they used to offer remanufactured discs, ie, all new components except for the metal pieces. NAPA used to offer a clutch/pressure plate package (from Borg-Warner??).
I wouldn't have a problem with remanufactured from a NAME source, but a lot less faith in the do it yourselfer or the guy working out of his garage. The bill to replace with new is not that high and you do NOT want to do it again in 3 months.

Hi Loren, thanks for the reply.

I suspect that having the clutch rebuilt by Fort Wayne Clutch & Driveline will be more expensive than a new LUK, so the only reason to go the rebuild route would be from an originality/restoration perspective.

At this point, I'm trying to figure out:

A) is the clutch housing considered a separate part from the pressure plate?

B) how do I determine if my clutch housing is original?

C) which parts are rebuilt/reconditioned, and which parts are replaced in a clutch-rebuild?

[John H.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

A) is the clutch housing considered a separate part from the pressure plate?

B) how do I determine if my clutch housing is original?

C) which parts are rebuilt/reconditioned, and which parts are replaced in a clutch-rebuild?

Scott -

A. What you're calling the "housing" is called the "clutch cover" (the large stamping that encloses the cast pressure plate and stamped diaphragm and bolts to the flywheel).

C. Fort Wayne Clutch can answer this.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 clutch - any reasons not to rebuild the original clutch?

Scott -

A. What you're calling the "housing" is called the "clutch cover" (the large stamping that encloses the cast pressure plate and stamped diaphragm and bolts to the flywheel).

C. Fort Wayne Clutch can answer this.

Thanks John.

I also found your article in the April "Corvette Enthusiast" (Vintage Tech Bench) where you said to make sure the pilot bushing is made of 100% Oilite bronze, and listed GM, Napa and Federal Mogul part numbers:

GM #3752487 (no longer available)
GM #10125896
NAPA #BK-61S1161
Federal-Mogul #PB-656-HD

I will check to make sure the available part numbers are backwards compatible with a '67 L79.

Scott