method I have evolved to overcome the problem.
Have you ever got
frustrated with clutch springs and toggles flying everywhere when you’re trying
to offer up the clutch assembly to the flywheel after a relining job? If so, you
might be interested in a
method I have evolved to overcome the problem.
¡ Before fitting the new lining to the pressure plate, tap out two diametrically opposite holes in the spring recesses to ¼ BSF. (photo 1.)
¡ In the clutch cover, drill out the corresponding holes to ¼”. (photo 2.)
¡ Obtain two ¼ bsf set screws about 2.5” long and two nuts to use as clamps. (photo 3.)
¡ When
ready to assemble, place the relined pressure plate face down on the clean bench
and place the springs in their recesses. Carefully fit the clutch cover over the
toggles and mate it up with the springs. Having fitted the nuts to the top end
of the set screws, feed them through the enlarged holes in the clutch cover and
screw them gently into the treaded holes in the plate, taking care not to got
too far and damage the lining.
¡ Gradually tighten up the nuts alternately until the springs are completely compressed and you are left with one solid lump which you can now offer up to the flywheel without having to struggle to keep everything in place whilst fitting and tightening the fixing bolts. (photo 4.)
¡ Once the clutch is thus fitted you can remove the clamping bolts and put them in a labelled tin in the Austin Seven tools drawer in case you ever need them again.
To avoid removing the nicely fitted flywheel from its taper on the crankshaft I have relined the centre plate instead. This has worked very well on both my 1926 Chummy and my 1923 Austin 12/4.
JOHN DUNN (BA7C)
With many thanks—Ed.