1962 clutch

[Kenneth F.]

I have a clutch in my 1962 that takes 38 pounds leg push to operate, and the engagement is not smooth. Can someone suggest a clutch that would have been as close to original as possible with minimum leg pressure to operate? Ken

[John H.]

Re: 1962 clutch

I have a clutch in my 1962 that takes 38 pounds leg push to operate, and the engagement is not smooth. Can someone suggest a clutch that would have been as close to original as possible with minimum leg pressure to operate? Ken

Ken -

LuK replacement - try dialaclutch.com or carolinaclutch.com, or your FLAPS can order it.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1962 clutch

For a '60, (same as '62), I just installed a LUK replacement I got at NAPA. Part# NCF 1104084, the NAPA part number for the LUK# 04-084 replacement kit. It includes disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing and pilot bushing, and plastic alignment tool. BTW the bushing is non magnetic(I tested it). The throwout bearing is the industrial plastic type. I've heard mixed reactions about those.

Just completed the clutch pedal, z-bar, rods, gorilla spring, etc last night. After the break force and free play adjustments, it's has a nice feel at the pedal. Engine not complete yet but it appears the clutch will be fine. I chose it based on Johns recommendations from long ago.

Rich

[Terry D.]

Re: 1962 clutch

Kenneth Been running a Luk clutch in my 62 behind a 383 stroker motor for 4 years and 25,000 miles without any trouble.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 clutch

John, The sites you mention have a lot of good information. Richard, would you be able to measure the force it takes to push the pedal? When you say break force adjustment, are you talking about the adjustable lever that the upper end of the large spring attaches to? Richard and Terry, Are your clutches diaphragm or 3 lever type? Is there a possibility the pedal can stay on the floor with a diaphragm type clutch? I appreciate the help. Ken

[Richard M.]

Re: 1962 clutch

Ken, I don't have a scale to accurately measure the break force, but it feels around 10 lbs. I push with my hand and it's almost like a pair of 5lb sugar bags worth, if that makes sense. Yes it's the pivot lever that the spring links to, outlined adjustment in the AIM Sec 6 Sheet 7.00 View A.

The LUK I used on this '60 is the bent finger diaphragm type, not the Borg & Beck 3 finger like original. There is no issue about clutch pedal stuck to the floor. My '59 has had a bent finger clutch since 1987, bought at the Chevy dealer, has never been a issue, even high rpm shifting.

The problem about the pedal sticking to the floor is typically using the wrong clutch, i.e. a passenger car "flat" finger clutch. That and the longer throwout bearing depth makes the fingers over center and it sticks there.

Rich

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 clutch

I ordered a LUK clutch like Richard used. Thank you for the help. Ken

[Thomas B.]

Re: 1962 clutch

Since diaphram clutches have a built in "over centering" function such that effort to hold the clutch to the floor is less. Do you really need the "gorilla spring?

[John H.]

Re: 1962 clutch

Since diaphram clutches have a built in "over centering" function such that effort to hold the clutch to the floor is less. Do you really need the "gorilla spring?

Tom -

No, you don't - you only need a return spring (the first few degrees of travel of the "Godzilla spring" provided that function, before it went over-center); however, a judged car will need it to avoid deductions.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 clutch

Tom, I am installing a LUK 04-084 diaphragm clutch that Richard uses in his C-1, and seems satisfied that the operation is good with the large spring. The lighter pedal pressure will be nice. I will remember what you said in the event the pedal should stay on the floor. Ken