1928 Multi disc clutch transmission advice

J

Joshua30A

Junior Member
I need the advice of people who have experience with the multi disc clutch transmission that was used in 1928. I’m restoring a 28 phaeton and I’m trying very hard to restore it to as authentic as possible but I’ve hit a snag when it comes to the transmission. Do I go with the original multi disc clutch transmission or do I replace it with the later more conventional style for ease of driving and future wear/ replacement?

How hard are Multi disc clutch parts to find and how much driving can one handle before needing to be replaced. I also have a 1930 model A and it’s nice knowing I can replace the clutch in it when needed with a new part but it worries me that my 1928 might be a different story.

Any advice or opinions on this matter will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you
Joshua
 
Josh,

Some swear by them, others swear at them.

Hardest piece will be an identical flywheel (two types, one for the Abel starter and second post Oct.'28 Bendix style) that has the least depth(wear) of grooves in the splines.

Next best to have or can borrow the KR Wilson tool to dissemble the clutch packs. You'll want to collect several clutch packs to find a usable throw out bearing (most are) and a collection of both discs.

It is possible to collect enough serviceable discs to build a 'fresh' clutch pack.

Understand all these parts can be found with time & patience. There are other 'multi-guys' that will help.

A multi-disc is non forgiving unlike a single disc, they don't like to be wound out beyond their shift point, no matter how thick the gear lube.

It's just another unique Model A driving experience that I enjoy.

Good luck.
 
I have a multi-disk in my ‘28.

Instead of the KR Wilson tool I was able to align everything in the splined pocket of the flywheel laying on the bench. I then used the chuck on my drill press pointed into the throwout bearing to safely compress the spring so I could install the nuts.
 
I have a later multi disc clutch in my English 1928 phaeton it has the Bendix starter I like this clutch it has smooth take up and seems less pedal pressure than the single disc . The car has 76000 miles on from new . I have all the RHD parts to fit the single disc clutch but I will run this multi disc clutch until the discs start hanging up . If I were you and your clutch is working fine just leave it be . All the parts you need flywheel ,bell housing etc etc are readily available and cheap at swap meets to do the change Put them to one side and change out the clutch when the multi disc fails .
 
I have both single disc and multi disc Model A's. I actually like the way that the Multi disc clutch shifts. The units are easy to rebuild. AS Jim says above, I would recommend using the KR Wilson tool for that. The throw out bearings can be dissembled and rebuilt. There are lots of Model A'ers around that can help you with rebuilding them and the parts that you need.
 
Hello, Anyone have photos or details on the two versions of the flywheel?
The previous owner of my 1928 Ford phaeton wanted to rebuild the engine but the builder had lost the flywheel...
Someone is selling me one and I wish I could install it.
Thank you.
 
I have everything you need to install the multi disc I have rebuilt clutch packs, rebuilt trans both early and late cases rebuilt bellhousing , smooth and rib pedals also flywheels. I think there are great 5 of my vehicles have them. they last a very long time. let me know if I can help you.
 
On a different note but same subject would anyone know where I could source a set of 1928 king pins and or locking pins? I’ve been looking and hand no luck, no swap meets has made it kinda hard to find
 
You may have to end up milling the groove in the later king pins to accept the early style stops. Finding the early stops is something that you'd probably have to hunt for at swap meets but as you said, no swap meets has made it kinda hard!
 
To Katy : I don't know but the builder stopped his business.

To ramm1101 : Thank you. I'm waiting to see what the seller offers to me.
To : Thank you for the link. Very interesting. But also, not very encouraging...
 
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