Thanks Wrenchbender.

The fingers are uneven - maybe 1/8" variation but there are no broken parts. The pressure plate that was fitted previously was worse & I replaced it with this one which visually looked good but I guess had been pulled out years ago for the same reason.

The only person I've found with first-hand experience of these military clutches failing, is an old farmer who drove one for years carting cattle. He described similar symptoms - gradual stiffening etc & eventually a finger or two breaking.

I probably should give it all to a reconditioner; I don't think the 11.5" pressure plates are available over here new.

Thanks again.