1931 Model A Clutch R&R

xkeots

Member
Do I have to pull the rear to do a clutch on my Model A or can I just pull out the shaft, drop ****** and do clutch like a newer car.

Thanks
Jack
 
On a scale of 1-10, ten being the hardest, I'd rate pulling the engine a 9.5 and pulling rear end a 10. I've done it both ways numerous times, and it's not an easy job either way. At least, not easy in my shop with my shade-tree setup. The difficulty I have with pulling the rear end is raising the trans and getting everything pushed back together. I have to work by myself and that is a difficult operation by my lonely. If you have someone to help, it goes easier.
 
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Might be nice to document your experience with photos and a write up to supplement the books - to help us newbies that have this on the horizon...

Just a thought.
 
I'm part of the 'pulling the rear end' camp. Its not too bad once you've done it a bizillion times. I think its a lot easier to remove the spring with the rear end, don't remove the spring from the axle unless you really know how to do it.
 
I agree with the guys above. pull the rear, far less to remove and easier to realign on reassembly.
 
TrannyTool.jpg


This handle helps a lot to lift the ****** in and out. I lower the ****** onto a creeper to make it easy to slide out from under the car.
 
Ive always pulled the R-E to change trans or clutch & have done it myself with no problem.It helps to have good jack stands & a floor jack.
 
I like Tom's handle, but it wasn't the trans that was difficult for me working alone. It was getting the universal moved forward and into the right position and height. Again, my tool options were slight; I'll have to muscle up for the next job.
 
I just changed my pressure plate for the 2nd time in 6 months. I always pull the engine. It takes about 3 hours to strip the engine and front end, and about 30 minutes to pull the engine. Then it is the same time to reverse the process. I think 2 people could do it in about 3 hours without pushing it. One thing about our club is that we always have a lot of help.
 
I broke down and bought a transmission jack. Has adjustments up-down, tilt fore-aft & side to side. Made things go together so much easier. Also works to support the ****** when you pull the engine.
 

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Jack, may I recommend that you get a piece of 4x8 ply and lay it down under your work area, whether you decide to take out the engine or the rear end. It will make a much cleaner, easier surface to work on, easier to find dropped parts, and easier to move heavy things around on. VOE. :)
 
Jack, may I recommend that you get a piece of 4x8 ply and lay it down under your work area, whether you decide to take out the engine or the rear end. It will make a much cleaner, easier surface to work on, easier to find dropped parts, and easier to move heavy things around on. VOE. :)

This Car made it through Hurricane Sandy. I was able to keep all rust away but my clutch is frozen and one wheel is stuck to the brake shoes.
I am replacing the interior and I will have to blend in some paint in the spring.
What will be my best way to pry the old plate from the flywheel once I get there and keep the flywheel clean?

Thanks
Jack
31 Model A
 
FYI, I bought all of the parts and I paid my local ****** shop $750.00 for the labor. I now have a brand new clutch that is great. My back couldn't do it.

Thanks for the tips.
Jack
1931 Model A 5 Window Coupe
 
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