[DeTomaso] clutch and pressure plate rebuilding?

[cengles at cox.net]

Dear Forum,

               While we're on this topic, I have been told that there 
are reputable places around the country that can rebuild clutch and 
pressure plates.  I have a new engine in progress and a McLeod clutch 
and presssure plate that came out of one of the Panteras about ten years 
ago.   It would seem that if someplace can rebuild it while I am working 
on the engine, then it should be more economical that buying another new 
McLeod set.  Are rebuilt clutch and pressure plates as good as new??

                         Clutch and Pressure Plate Rebuilding Rookie, 
Chuck Engles


On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 2:43 AM, MikeLDrew at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 6/11/13 10 33 1, boyd411 at gmail.com writes:
>
>
>> While we are on the subject of clutches,I am considering changing 
>> mine and
>> I would like to hear suggestions on the best choices for parts and if 
>> there
>> are any other things I should do or replace while I have the Trans 
>> axle out
>> (like throw out bearing , clutch forks etc.?
>> Also are there any maintenance or preventative actions ( like seal
>> replacements) that should be addressed on the ZF while I'm doing the 
>> job?
>>
>>>> I am a great fan of the McLeod diaphragm clutches, which is just 
>>>> about
> all that Dennis Quella sells these days.   Oh sure, you can get an 
> old-school three-finger model, or a whippy-dippy dual disc job if you 
> have a billion horsepower to contend with, but the (shhh, say it 
> quietly) Centerforce-style diaphragm clutch from McLeod is probably 
> best for 97% of the cars out there.   It has a soft pedal with great 
> clamping force like a Centerforce, but it has a proper 11-inch disc 
> instead of the 10.5 inch on the Centerforce.
>
> Also, it bolts right up to a standard Pantera flywheel, so there's no 
> need to spend big bucks redrilling the flywheel, or buying a 
> replacement flywheel set up to accept the awkward bolt pattern 
> (Chevy?) that Centerforce offers.
>
> Apparently the McLeod diaphragm clutch requires the use of a different 
> throwout bearing.   They sell an adjustable model (uses shims to set 
> the proper initial ride height) which is quite expensive--$125 or $150 
> or something like that, I think.
>
> It made a HUGE difference on Lori's car, #1765, which doesn't have the 
> effort reduction kit.   The previous clutch was some sort of 'racing' 
> non-Pantera clutch, and was literally the stiffest clutch I had ever 
> felt, in anything.   Totally ridiculous, especially for a girl!   The 
> McLeod has sufficient clamping force for any occasion, yet has a 
> lighter pedal than the three-finger McLeod (with effort reduction kit) 
> in my Pantera.
>
> Highly recommended....
>
> As for things to do while you're in the neighborhood?   Well, for 
> sure, your gearbox ring and pinion bolts need to be safety-wired if 
> they haven't been already.   More than a few gearboxes have been 
> trashed by one or more bolts backing out, striking webbing inside the 
> case and breaking the heads off, which then rattle around until they 
> get caught up in the ring and pinion--BOOM!   Normally the result is a 
> destroyed ring gear and pinion gear--easily $2500 right there, not 
> counting labor.
>
> One guy got very lucky when the bolt head got flung through the bottom 
> cover just as he pulled into the parking lot at the POCA Fun Rally. 
> Dennis Quella hadn't yet arrived so he was able to throw a replacement 
> cover in his bag, and a parking lot tech session took place.   (I 
> presume they safety-wired the R&P while they were at it).   I think 
> his R&P were undamaged, which shocked everyone.
>
> If it's leaking from the sides, you can replace the side gaskets 
> easily enough, I believe (somebody tell me if I'm wrong about that). 
> Do not open up the rear of the gearbox however.   Chances are it won't 
> go back together, and then you get to put all the pieces into bags and 
> boxes and ship the whole works off to an expert, who will do what 
> experts do.   The result will be a perfect gearbox that will likely 
> outlast the rest of the car (and you!), and a dramatically lightened 
> wallet.   If your gearbox ain't broke, don't go fixing it!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Mike
>
> P.S.   As far as I know, only McLeod and Centerforce make 
> Pantera-specific clutches.   Resist at all costs the temptation to buy 
> a generic 351C clutch for a Mustang, pickup truck etc.   A proper 
> Pantera clutch probably doesn't cost much more (if anything) than an 
> equivalent generic clutch....
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