[DeTomaso] Clutch Pressure plate rebuilding

[Dick Koch]

Chuck, I have used RAM Clutches <http://www.ramclutches.com/>, up until 
my latest dual platter clutch, since 1998.  They were recommended to me 
by my engine builder, Grimes Automotive, who uses and recommends them 
extensively for his high performance minded street and track customers.  
They have many variations of clutch sets that can map to about any 
engine power and torque requirement, and street or track usage.  They 
are good people to deal with.

I would have used them for my dual disk configuration if they had it 
when I had my latest failure (again due to my lack of due diligence).  
While I haven't checked with them since they came out with the dual disk 
config, I am assuming they have one that would do the job in the 
Pantera< http://www.ramclutches.com/Specialty%20products/Street_dual_2.htm>.

Take care.

Dick

Charles Engles wrote:
> Dear Dick,
>  
>               Thanks for the benefit of your experience and opinion.
>  
>                          Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
>  
>  
>  
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     *From:* Dick Koch <mailto:arkoch at earthlink.net>
>     *To:* cengles at cox.net <mailto:cengles at cox.net>
>     *Cc:* detomaso at realbig.com <mailto:detomaso at realbig.com>
>     *Sent:* Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:15 PM
>     *Subject:* Re: [DeTomaso] Clutch Pressure plate rebuilding
>
>     Chuck, I ran the RAM clutch and pressure plate they recommended
>     for my engine configuration and power output..  When I tore it up
>     (my fault for not installing it correctly) ), they rebuilt the
>     pressure plate and clutch for half of what a new set cost and it
>     came back as "new" and performed great. Worked fine until I didn't
>     watch the free play on the slave cylinder and spun it out. 
>
>     I have never used a clutch rebuild shop and am not able to comment
>     on the quality of their work.  However, I do know that by using
>     RAM, if I have a problem they will repair it to "as new" at about
>     half the price (did not include shipping).  I assume the other
>     major manufacturers would do the same.
>
>     With all that said and done, it certainly is easier to just go buy
>     a new one.
>
>     Dick Koch - Atlanta
>
>     cengles at cox.net wrote:
>>     Dear Guys,
>>
>>     Thanks for the short course on clutch and pressure plate rebuilding. I think I will stick with the old method of paying up for a new clutch and pressure plate the next time the problem comes up.
>>
>>     Warmest regards, Chuck Engles
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>     ---- JDeRyke at aol.com wrote:
>>       
>>>     In a message dated 6/19/08 7:56:19 AM, cengles at cox.net writes:
>>>
>>>         
>>>>     Can someone explain rebuilding pressure plates and clutches to me?
>>>>
>>>>           
>>>     I've only seen it done once eons ago, at Bay City Friction in San Jose.
>>>     Pressure plates are rivited together and the rebuilder cuts the rivits and replaces
>>>     all the worn parts. The holding power of a pressure plate is in its springs-
>>>     whether its a stack of coil springs or a belleville spring as used in a
>>>     diaphragm pressure plate. The inherent value of a rebuilder is in the choice of
>>>     parts and the possibility of custom work available. A stock Pantera pressure plate
>>>     has around 1800 lbs force and 'racing' units are 2600 lbs and up, I think.
>>>     Custom covers are available that deflect less with heavy springs. Lightweight
>>>     aluminum covers and steel-sprayed aluminum pressure plate surfaces are used in
>>>     certain racing classes, but you won't find these at Pep Boyz! Plus, in a
>>>     Pantera, the Long type lever arms cannot have bob-weights on them as moving levers
>>>     will hit the inside of our bellhousing when the engine's running. There are 4
>>>     different Long clutch levers and only one type will fit, so Pantera
>>>     clutch-lever arms must be re-used or new ones modified to fit. Its also possible to have
>>>     a hybrid pressure plate built up using stock Long clutch parts with Borg &
>>>     Beck arms (used in Chryslers) that have roller bearings in their pivots for less
>>>     pedal effort and more even cover force with the same holding power. Lots of
>>>     possibilities and likely some new ones I never heard of, but not cheap. HP books
>>>     used to publish Tom Monroe's 'Clutch and Flywheel Handbook' thats good
>>>     reading, too. FWIW- J DeRyke
>>>
>>>
>>>     **************
>>>     Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL
>>>     Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
>>>
>>>     (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)
>>>         
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>