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My clutch is slipping on my 58 and I'm debating on doing it myself or having this shop do it that works on classic cars...including corvettes.
I have always done by own work to make sure things are done right (thanks to all the people on this forum), but I'm also at an age where stuff like this isn't that easy or appealing. I don't have a car lift, so I'd have to use jack stands. The last time I did this, I put the Muncie on my chest and benched pressed it into place...tons of fun!! If I did it this time around, I'd buy a transmission lift helper for $180 on Amazon.
Thinking of disconnecting the starter, the shifter/linkage, holding up the engine, bruised knuckles and a lot of DAMN-IT!!!...argh. I'm dreading this.
I also read LAR's clutch replacement procedure...YIKES!!! Measure this, measure that, micrometer play, clutch for types, ball joint height, etc...last
So, my question is...if you had to do yours, would you send it out or do it yourself?
I'll stop doing my own work when I take a dirt nap.
Sometimes, such as removing or installing a transmission, I get my son or neighbor to help lit it into position, then I do all the rest.
I jut recently put a new clutch in the 56 and only had to have help lifting the transmission. By the way, I'm 78.
So, my question is...if you had to do yours, would you send it out or do it yourself?
I'd do it myself - and have. Several good jack stands, a couple floor jacks, one to support the engine, one to maneuver the trans around, a helper if available comes in handy also.
I usually send the flywheel out to be resurfaced and then have the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate assembly balanced while at the machine shop.
It's not an "easy" job but it's not a hard one either if you have the tools and muscle.
I did mine a couple of years ago but did it the easy way: bolted to the engine when I had the engine out for an overhaul. I had to rebuild the engine and transmission. My trans isn't a light weight 75 pound Muncie, though. It's a 904 cast iron ST 10 that weighs over 100 pounds. I'm 60, and admit this type of work isn't as much fun as it used to be. But I have a lift and full set of tools and simply work slower and smarter. Nothing more satisfying than doing it yourself, as you know from the work you did on your '58!
Barring any physical disabilities, you could do it yourself. Your not on a time clock so do it at your own speed. When you have to take the tranny down or lift it back up, just have a helper with you. The rest of it is basically nuts and bolts. The money you save could be used for something else you need on the car. I'm 73 and I've had my tranny/clutch down and up several times, but that was five years ago. I still feel I could do it today but at a slower pace. s
If I were to do it...I'd get this transmission lift. $180 on Amazon.
these are actually for an automatic. The manual doesn’t work so well unless you lash it down hood. Also, for what it’s worth I use a cherry picker to hold up the rear of the engine which keeps under car more open.
I did my own a few months ago. Using guide pins in the top two bell housing bolt holes made it much easier. That was something I never did 40 years ago which I guess is why it was always a struggle. You could also rent a transmission jack unless you think you’ll need it again.
Installing two long threaded rod dowels in the top two bell housing bolt holes for the trans is a great idea. I do the same thing when installing 80 pound heads on my old Pontiacs to avoid strain and slippage. Works like a charm.
Installing two long threaded rod dowels in the top two bell housing bolt holes for the trans is a great idea. I do the same thing when installing 80 pound heads on my old Pontiacs to avoid strain and slippage. Works like a charm.
This^^^^^^
You wouldn't necessarily get away with it in a mid year, but when you have the room in the trans tunnel, let gravity do the work for you!
OK, I'll be the one to say it . . . although I probably COULD do it myself (I'm 67), if I could relatively easily afford to have it done at a shop I trusted, that's the way I would go.
I appreciate what everyone is saying here. I tend to sometimes think "I have to get this done"...instead of taking a deep breath and thinking, "what's the rush?? As stated, it's just bolts...take on off at a time. And there is a sense of accomplishment and knowing that it's done right. It gives me some peace-of-mind knowing that someone forgot to tighten up the bolt.
I didn't think about using dowels for guides at the top of the transmission...good idea. How long should the dowels be?
If I did this, I may not use the transmission lift again, but to me it would be worth 180-dollars to make it easier. I do have a second floor jack, perhaps I could make my own tranny cradle by adapting something onto that.
I have a question.Do you guys measure anything when you do a clutch job? I put a lot of clutch's in back in the early 70's working at the gas station, and I have done a lot of my own. I have never measured anything.
What about you guys? Sorry for hijacking the thread.
No, but when I was in college (pre-med), I worked at a chrome shop. I became very good friends with the owner. After college, and after buying the 56 in 73----------------which was pre-NCRS, I started fixing up the 56. The owner of the chrome shop would let me come in AFTER closing.and chrome my own parts. I went over board! I chromed everything that was practical (and some things that were not practical). I even completely disassembled the soft top frame and chromed each piece---------------and fortunately, got it back together.
06-08-2021, 10:42 AM
Pay or do it yourself (DIY) clutch replacement?
