The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Clutch bolts

The mechanic installing the new clutch on my '50 half ton just called and said the old clutch was really bad. So bad that the heads of the clutch bolts had been worn badly. Are these kind of bolts available at a FLAPS? Don't want to order them from an internet supplier because it will take too long to get here.

Thanks,
Chuck

Clutch bolts? "Flywheel bolts", maybe? If that's the case, the clutch disc was probably installed backwards in the first place. Yes, they should be replaced, and no, they aren't a standard stock item. Most flywheel attaching bolts have a head thickness about half that of a normal bolt, and they're Grade 8, much stronger than normal bolts. I'd suggest either acquiring some original-equipment bolts, even used ones, or having a machinist thin down the heads of some correct-length Grade 8 bolts. If you choose to use lockwashers, use the star-shaped ones with the lock serrations on the outside diameter. Stovebolt flywheel bolts are exposed to crankcase oil, and split lock washers will cause a seep leak into the bellhousing.
Jerry

Hey Chuck, I'm guessing you mean pressure plate bolts?I bought ARP bolts for my truck. You maybe be able to get them @ NAPA. They used to carry ARP bolts up here. Take an old bolt to NAPA & see if they can match it up. If you don't have NAPA in Texas call around. ARP makes bolts specifically for flywheel to crank & pressure plate to flywheel. Good luck. Mark

Found these on Autozone.com

Mr. Gasket/6 pcs. 3/8 in. - 16 x 1 in. Borg - Beck/diaphragm style pressure plate bolts for GM, AMC and Chrysler

Is this what I'm looking for?

Thank you Jerry & Mark. I probably didn't hear him correctly on the phone.

Chuck

The bolt listing you found at Auto Zone attach the pressure plate to the flywheel. I can't imagine any way for them to be damaged by a worn clutch. Better get your mechanic to be a little more specific about what's damaged.
Jerry

Well, whatever they're called they were definitely damaged by the clutch disk hitting them. Not so bad that they couldn't be reused. Damage was minimal.

Jerry you were spot on.........the clutch disc was put on backwards!! The clutch material was worn away down to the rivets and the springs were actually worn flat! We both read the words on the disc that said "This side towards flywheel". Someone just didn't pay attention.

Had the flywheel resurfaced today and it turned out beautiful. Didn't take them but an hour.

Ordered a transmission gasket set today which will be FedEx'd here by 3:00pm tomorrow so work won't be held up much.

Things are looking up!