The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Pressure Plate: Art Deco vs. Advance Design

I have a 1946 1/2 ton truck. I installed a 1957 235 bolted to the 1946 bell housing and the Buffalo adapter plate for the T-5. I want to use the 168 tooth flywheel and 12 volt starter.

What pressure plate do I need? Will the Advance Design pressure plate work in the Art Deco bell housing with out mechanical problems with the fork and pedal linkage? I will be using the Buffalo adapter plate and a T-5.

Thanks

I believe you should mbe able to use any pressure plate you want in there... that will bolt up to the flywheel that is. I am using a 59 gmc flywheel on my 302 gmc that will be going in my 1940. I will be using an 11 inch clutch with 10 spline 1 1/8 inch diameter hub... same as stock, for 1959.

To sum that up, I will be using an 11 inch clutch in a bellhousing that originally ran a 9 inch clutch. Allthe linkage will be stock.

46SortaStock -

I'm sorry I didn't have a quick answer for you Saturday when you called. After thinking your question through and getting back to my computer, I agree with bigbadswingdaddy. I think any pressure plate that will bolt to the 168 tooth flywheel will have enough clearence inside the 46 bell housing with stock clutch linkage for all of the mechanics to function properly. I know a 9" and 10" (9 7/8") clutch and pressure plate combination will work in your bell housing with the S-10 T-5 transmission and I'm sure you can get an 11" (10 3/4") clutch and pressure plate to fit that 168 tooth flywheel. Steppenwood used that clutch pressure plate combination on his 41 pickup with success. I feel confident that any size you decide to use on the 168 tooth flywheel will have the clearence necessary for everything to function properly.

Hope I got this information to you quick enough to help!

Joe

You will need a clutch disc from an Astro van to match the T-5 splines.

D1ck -

The Astro 10" (9 7/8") clutch is the one I used. Steppenwood used an 11" clutch on his 41, but I don't know what that clutch fits. The Astro common part number is RCF 4201. I have found out that NAPA (at least the one in Saginaw) will not sell the clutch by itself. They want you to buy the clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate and guide as a kit. Standard Transmission in Fort Worth will sell the clutch by itself. Steppenwood used the RCF 4212. I'm sure NAPA will handle that the same way, but Standard will have it. Standard will need a few days to get either clutch. Let me know if you need more info.

Joe

I stuffed an 11" HD 261 clutch into a '50 216 bellhousing, and it barely clears but it fits. I had to use a shorter throwout bearing and it works fine. However, the 13" clutch that came with my 302 is never going to fit, it is sized to fit a clark bell housing. I'm going to have to find a smaller flywheel for it.

I had one vote from another source that it would not fit. I looked at steppenwood's site and he is using a 11" RFC4212 in the 45 bell housing. I did not see in the pictures and diary what brand or part number pressure plate he used. I will send him a PM or email.

Thanks to everyone for the responses!

D1ck