Rivets or bolts for clutch lever, fork?

PeteVS

PeteVS

Well-known member
Should I be OK using some 5/16" grade 8 bolts to fasten the lever and fork to the clutch cross shaft? The factory rivets are a real bear at disassembly. (I got 2" long bolts so they have a nice unthreaded portion where the bolt will be in the hole.) Thanks!!
 
PeteVS said:
Should I be OK using some 5/16" grade 8 bolts to fasten the lever and fork to the clutch cross shaft? The factory rivets are a real bear at disassembly. (I got 2" long bolts so they have a nice unthreaded portion where the bolt will be in the hole.) Thanks!!
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Should be fine.
 
PeteVS said:
(I got 2" long bolts so they have a nice unthreaded portion where the bolt will be in the hole.) Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I also agree,

I use black socket head cap screws (allen head screws) and cut off the unused threads. Allen head Screws are actually stronger then Grade 8 and the unthreaded part is usually a full 5/16 dia and not undersize as Grade 8 bolts often are.

I also use them for the clutch fork with a self locking nut. Been doing it for years.
 
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forever4 said:
The factory did not use rivets, they used grooved drive-pins, and that is what you should also use, not bolts.

Drive-pins are also tapered and should be removed and installed from the proper direction. They are not difficult to remove or install form the properr direction.
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My experience is that the tapered/grooved pins were used in 1932 and maybe partial 1933? after which rivets were used. The rivets are often installed into assemblies with a hollow shaft, and with so much pressure that the rivet would actually expand in the bore of the hollow shaft, which is what makes them difficult to remove without drilling most of the rivet out. Because it is difficult to drill straight thru a longer rivet and come out exactly dead center at the other end, it is best, if possible, to drill from both directions to free the part (clutch lever, release bearing fork, cross-shaft levers etc.) so that the original holes in the part are not damaged. The shaft is usually no good anyway and will not be re-used, so if part of the rivet remains in the shaft, does not matter...

If a bolt is being substituted, it is important that the diameter of the bolt shank be the same as the holes in the part AND in the shaft, otherwise, the part can rotate on the shaft. CW's advice is good...
 
If you choose to use a bolt, you may find that a metric size provides a more snug fit.
 
Hoop said:
If you choose to use a bolt, you may find that a metric size provides a more snug fit.
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HOW could you even think of using that Foreign Metric Stuff on an old Ford? :eek:

I quit working on "Modern" Cars for a living when the "American" Manufacturers started to go to Metric.:(

Real American Cars have American Bolts and not that Foreign Stuff!!! :)

Not only my opinion but the way it should be.

CW
 
But...you have a Model A...it has one of those Godless socialist French carburetors with metric jets!
My metric collection got up the three sockets before I lost patience and went back to an older ride. One can take only so much...shame we lost WWII and had all that crap forced on us...
 
Hoop said:
If you choose to use a bolt, you may find that a metric size provides a more snug fit.
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Checked out the 5/16 INCH bolts today- nice snug fit in the holes! An 8mm bolt would be a wee bit larger (.31496",) but I'll stay with what I got.
 
That's good, Pete. Sometimes the lever can be wobbly.

(The '32 V8 transmission I have has a drive pin.)

Here's a handy gadget:

TransDetentTool1.jpg
 
whats wrong with metric-once you learn how to use it it's much nicer to work with than our system --( of course you could always revert to the Whitworth system and ger completely screwed up <s>
 
cool36 said:
whats wrong with metric-once you learn how to use it it's much nicer to work with than our system --( of course you could always revert to the Whitworth system and ger completely screwed up <s>
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I'm with you. the metric system of measurement is by far the best in the world. Actually easier to use than our system once learned. We (US) is I believe one of only three industrialized countries in the world that does not use it first and foremost. Of course, the metric system isn't required at Walmart or McDonalds... the places most of our jobs now reside.
 
cool36 said:
whats wrong with metric-once you learn how to use it it's much nicer to work with than our system --( of course you could always revert to the Whitworth system and ger completely screwed up <s>
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If Henry thought Metric was better, he would have used it. I only use my Metric wrenches to purge and purify my old Fords from stray Metric Fasteners that were installed by un-thinking, and probably Un-American people thru the years.

After working on this old stuff for more then 65 Years, I guess I am too old to put up with "mixed" fasteners on my cars. I am only in my 70s but started to "run wrenches" in my fathers repair shop during WW II. By the way, I believe We Americans got along just fine with "American" nuts and bolts on all the stuff WE built for the War.

The Brits' warped thinking is responsible for Whintworth, I think that comes from too many years of drinking warm beer.:eek:

Again, Every one is entitled to their own opinion,

----as long as it agrees with mine!:rolleyes:

Out with Metric, Keep your Old Fords ALL AMERICAN!!!!!!!:)

CW
 
"I only use my Metric wrenches to purge and purify my old Fords from stray Metric Fasteners that were installed by un-thinking, and probably Un-American people thru the years."

"... un-thinking?" ... "Un-American?"

Are you intentionally trying to offend and insult people?

There are many Ford Barners who do not live in the United States and who are non-Americans. They are not only our welcome friends but also happen to drive Fords made in countries other than America.

Please stop embarrassing those of us Americans who know the difference between a bolt size and nonsense.
 
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Hoop said:
Are you intentionally trying to offend and insult people?

There are many Ford Barners who do not live in the United States and who are non-Americans. They are not only our welcome friends but also happen to drive Fords made in countries other than America.
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Can you say "TONGUE IN CHEEK"?

I welcome all Old Ford People where ever they live. I feel we all have something in common. I know some Old Ford Guys that from a country other then the U.S. that arer very good friends of mine.

I have a '32 in my shop that came from Sweden. That car was originally built as a Export Car and has a strange mix of U.S. and metrig fasteners and we keep it that way because that is the way Henry made it. However, we keep the Old Fords built in the U.S. for the American Market all American, because that is the way Henry made them.

Again, Just my opinion and here in America, it is your right not to agree with it if you choose to do so.

CW.
 
CWPASADENA said:
HOW could you even think of using that Foreign Metric Stuff on an old Ford? :eek:

I quit working on "Modern" Cars for a living when the "American" Manufacturers started to go to Metric.:(

Real American Cars have American Bolts and not that Foreign Stuff!!! :)

Not only my opinion but the way it should be.

CW
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Hmmm, seems my '40 came with 14 millimeter spark plugs from the factory. And I've owned several '50's and '60's Fords with 18 MM plugs, straight from the factory!
 
In my trans adaptor kits I include heavy duty 5/16 double spiral pins to hold the lever and fork. Don't think they have failed.
 
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