The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Maybe I suck at driving this thing?

Hey guys, I finally have my 61 Apache 10 properly registered and on the road! I am so happy...haven't touched my Yota in a couple days now. It runs and drives incredible for being mostly original, but whenever I start off from a stop, I can't seem to do a smooth clutch to gas transition...it "shudders". I'm not bunny-hopping it, it just shakes. Once it's going its good. I'm really not concerned about it but just curious if you guys think it's maybe the clutch disc or something, or maybe I just haven't finessed driving this oldie yet.

I used to have a different 61 Chev, it's still in the gallery...not mine anymore though. It had a four speed as well, but it was a newer one (still really old though) and it had a 283. I didn't have this issue with that truck...

yes, it's a clutch issue, maybe greasy fingerprints or something misaligned - not being concerned will see it worsen soon enough to get your attention

Bill

Did you replace the pilot bushing in the flywheel?

The clutch is probably fried. Once you get it apart, chances are you will find that the clutch has been slipped a few too many times, and the fly wheel will need to be turned and all new parts installed (pressure plate, disk, and pilot bearing) Not a big job, and the end result will be a nice smooth start again! Good luck!

Oil on clutch. You can try cleaning.

Another common problem is a bent clutch disc, if alignment pins weren't used during the last installation, it's easy for the installer to become fatigued and allow the transmission to hang from the pilot shaft, bending the plate. Alignment pins are easy to make. Just cut the heads off the proper size bolts and cut a slot in the ends to allow installation and removal with a large screwdriver. They support the transmission in alignment and make the whole job easier. Here's a shot taken that last time I did a clutch install:

[IMG]http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/7816/bellhousingbolts.jpg[/IMG]

Worn out motor mounts can also cause clutch chatter, by allowing the engine to flop around during engagement.

Thanks for all the responses...yeah it is almost like the clutch grabs too harshly...gets a little bit worse once it's been driving a while. I've changed a clutch before, sort of (I helped) A vehicle like this one should be fairly easy if I use a transmission jack, right?

and dont put it in back wards...

Joker, ha ha, man that would suck! Just exactly what happens if a clutch disc is put in backwards? (not that I'm willing to experiment on this...)

A bad spring in the clutch plate will cause it as will a bad pressure plate. Also check for wear in the throwout bearing fork.

The spring pack in the hub of the clutch disc will be an interference fit with the pressure plate or the flywheel bolts, causing nasty things to happen.

How about bad motor mounts?

I know I'm going to have to do this soon, so I'll be watching to see what happens.