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1962 Corvette Restoration: Clutch Installation From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-206

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I

Clutch Installation

With the engine-head assembly complete, and the intake and exhaust manifolds installed, the engine is now ready for installation of the clutch assembly.

Note : This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Materials:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut drivers, etc.)
Torque wrench
Refurbished clutch assembly
Steel-bristle brush

Steps:

• With the engine still securely mounted on the engine stand, make certain that the surface where the crankshaft mates up with the clutch flywheel is free of grit and residue. Use a small steel-bristle brush to clean the crankshaft surface (figure A). Also use the brush to clean the corresponding surface on the flywheel itself.

  
  

• In an earlier segment, when the clutch was disassembled, the crankshaft was marked with a strike-mark to indicate the proper orientation of the flywheel. Position the flywheel onto its mounting surface (figure B), lining up the extra hole on the flywheel with the strike-mark on the crankshaft.

  
  

• Apply a drop of thread-lock compound onto the threads of the flywheel bolts, and install the bolts to secure the flywheel.

  Important: Use blue (medium) thread-lock compound on the flywheel bolts, not red. The red variety is permanent.

  
  

• With all of the bolts threaded, tighten them down finger-tight with a socket wrench (figure C), tightening them in a star pattern around the fly-wheel.

  
  

• Once they are all installed, go back and tighten each bolt down to the proper torque specifications (figure D). Chevrolet recommends these bolts be tightened to 60 foot-pounds.

  
  

• Note that our flywheel has been professionally resurfaced to remove the burn spots that were present earlier because of wear. The machining process takes the surface down about 6/1000ths of an inch, providing a new, clean surface (figure E).

  
  

• Next, the clutch disc is installed onto the flywheel, making certain that the disc is oriented with the marked "flywheel side" facing the flywheel. A special plastic clutch tool-is used to properly center and mount the clutch disc onto the flywheel (figure F). The molded plastic clutch tool inserts through the disc, and into the crankshaft, to hold the disc in place during the procedure..

  
  

• With the clutch disc in position, the clutch pressure-plate can be installed. Most engines have locator studs to ensure proper positioning and mounting of the pressure-plate. Our Chevy engine uses shouldered bolts that are used to locate the holes in the pressure plate as it is mounted in position (figure G).

  
  

• The clutch tool is used once again, this time to center the clutch disc properly (figure H) before tightening down the pressure-plate bolts. This will ensure that the transmission can be installed smoothly and correctly later on.

  
  

• Once the disc has been centered properly, tighten the pressure-plate bolts (figure I), again following a star-pattern around the clutch. As the bolts are tightened down, the clutch-diaphragm spring will retract. Finish by torque-tightening each of the bolts to around 25 foot-pounds.

RESOURCES :

Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick

Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors

Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books

Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing