[DeTomaso] Source for Clutch Slave Cylinder

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/6/07 10 00 30, pvperry at earthlink.net writes:


> What are some of the vendor sources and contact info for stock or
> aftermarket clutch slave cylinders?
> 
> >>>All the vendors sell original stock replacement clutch slaves, and 
> masters as well.   They used to cost a fortune, but like many Pantera parts, the 
> cost from the vendors has plummeted lately.   It used to be that you could save 
> a LOT of money buying these parts from non-Pantera sources (among other 
> cars, '70s Alfa Romeos used exactly the same clutch master and slave cylinders), 
> but most recently Wilkinson put the original parts on sale, and they are now 
> almost laughably cheap compared to what they used to cost--only about 1/3 or 
> 1/4 the cost.
> 

> 
> >Recommendations between rebuilt stock vs aftermarket?  
> 
>>>Some vendors sell non-original aluminum aftermarket master cylinders, 
which are made by an outfit called CNC in San Diego.   Although they probably work 
just as well as the stock units, the dirty little secret behind them is that 
they use different plumbing, meaning that you will have to cut your stock 
clutch line, bend it to a slightly new location, reflare it and install a 
different tube end.   Given that they are now actually more expensive than the 
original parts (which are of excellent quality, and have worked fine for 30 years), I 
can see no reason not to just put a new, stock master cylinder in place.

Slave cylinders are a different story.   The stock Pantera clutch hydraulic 
system is somewhat marginal; if it is *perfectly* adjusted, it does a fine job, 
but there is almost no tolorance for improper adjustment.   Marino Perna of 
Pantera East conjured up a stainless steel 'long-throw' replacement (also made 
by CNC I believe).   Due to the smaller piston size, it extends further for a 
given amount of clutch master cylinder (and thus pedal) movement, but at the 
expense of a slightly heavier clutch pedal feel.   Due to the nature of its 
design, it is easier to get *enough* clutch throw, and unlike the stock setup, if 
properly adjusted it can actually give surplus clutch throw.

The downside to these things is that they are considerably more expensive 
than the stock slave cylinders--now that the stock ones have become downright 
cheap, the stainless long-throw units are 2x-3x more expensive.   Being stainless 
steel, they are basically immortal, whereas the stock ones need to be 
replaced every 20-30 years if properly maintained (and if abused by neglect, much 
more often than that).

So, take your pick.


> Will a stock Clutch
> Master Cylinder operated correctly with an aftermarket Slave?
> 
>>>You phrased the question backwards--what you want to know is if the 
aftermarket slave cylinders will function correctly with a stock master, and the 
answer is a qualified 'yes'.

*If* the master cylinder is in good operating condition, then the aftermarket 
slave will function properly.   If the master cylinder is well past its 
prime, neither type of slave cylinder will function properly.   When stock masters 
were $300 it was easier to argue for just changing one end of the system.   
But now that they are only $60-70, given that it's an unpleasant job to replace 
the slave cylinder, you might as well just do both ends at the same time, and 
start from scratch with an all-new, known-good system.

Adjustment is crucial, and using good, high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 3/4 brake 
fluid is a must.   Every bit of air must be bled from the system to ensure 
proper operation.

Changing the clutch master cylinder is a miserable job, right up there with 
the heater blower motor change I think.   It requires two people (one lucky one 
outside the car, leaning over into the trunk compartment with a wrench, and a 
miserable bastard upside-down on his back, bashing his teeth on the brake 
pedal, and fumbling around blindly over his head trying to remove the bolts).   
It helps greatly if the person under the dash has small hands.   Wives, 
girlfriends and kids are all damn useful to have around when it comes time for this 
particular job....

Mike (who has been upside-down under other people's dashes with a brake pedal 
in his teeth more often than he'd care to remember....)



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