The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Clutch/pressure plate, what/where to buy?

Hello again!
I'm also trying to replace the clutch/pressure plate/ throw out bearing on the same '55 3100 w the 235. I wanted to buy a Luc clutch kit, but they informed me they don't make one for it. Now, I understand that it's the same clutch assembly for many years of Chevy pickups. I feel certain they make one, but the man on the phone is just a computer chaser.
Can any one advise me where to find the clutch/pressure plate. I 'think' I want the pressure plate with 'many fingers' as it's easier on the leg. Any thoughts and guidance is appreciated. (I'm doing this job over because I did not buy quality parts last time (25K miles ago))

Bud Van Deusen

Might be worth the effort to try Rock Auto Parts. It’s been some 7 or so years ago, but they had similar parts needed for my ‘46 Chevy ton.

I bought a Luk clutch for my '51 216. Don't remember where I got it though (and my usual records don't show it.) I thought it was from Rockauto but might have been the local NAPA store. Rock Auto does list Perfection brand clutches that would work and are the diaphragm spring style.

When I needed to replace the clutch in my '57, I wanted the original style Borg & Beck (pressure spring) and not the diaphragm style. The Borg & Beck is for heavier applications and has a little heavier peddle than the diaphragm type and is the correct clutch for my 2 ton. I researched the specs on it and started looking around at the different auto parts sites, I found that the same specs also were called for in the '57 Belair with V8 engines, bought the clutch kit at Autozone for $100 and it fit like a glove, been using the truck for 10 years as a truck with zero issues.

Bud, I've used LuK, Exedy and Sachs. All are pretty much the same...the Sachs impressed me as being better made than others and the cost was okay. Last time I had to hunt because I was swapping the transmission for a T5 (different spline count) and also I have an 11 inch flywheel. If you take your time and search, you can find one that will work even if you have to mix/match. As I recall I used a Sachs pressure plate designed for the 11 inch Chevy 235 flywheel (as you said the "many fingers" type) and a LuK disc designed for one of the early Astro Vans (11 inch clutch w/14 spline count). I got both from Rock Auto along with a shortie throwout bearing. Everything mated just fine but I had to make a new connecting rod because the original was too short...or too long. Sorry, can't remember now but with the 11 inch plate it is very smooth.

Recommend you buy from a local supplier. I ordered a clutch kit from Rock Auto and got the wrong one. It wasn't their fault as it turned out that my 1954 truck had a 1953 clutch. Shipping cost to return the kit was about 1/2 the cost of the new one. It would have been a free return if I had used a local supplier.

Thanks Gord, good advice. I see Luc lists a clutch kit for the '55 Belair, same engine, same trans. Kit # 04-021. 10.34" disc. Available most everywhere. Might try it through local auto parts.

Bud Van Deusen