Classic/Antique Car Repair/1940 Ford Clutch

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Expert: - 3/24/2010


Question
I recently took the engine and transmission out of my '40 Ford Deluxe Coupe.  Now I am having trouble engaging the clutch to reinstall the clutch rod.  It seems to be completely frozen and I don't want to push to hard encase I accidentally bend something.  Do I just keep pushing or is there a better way to engage the clutch? (All original components)

Answer
Hi James: I am confused. When you talk about the clutch rod are you talking about the clutch linkage that you are having trouble hooking up after you have the engine and transmission bolted together? or are you having trouble getting the engine and transmission mated up and bolted together?
Let me know.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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