Technical Clutch

Hi guys im looking for information about which clutch will fit in a 1950 mercury running the original 255 flathead and three speed manual transmission ( no overdrive) as I am finding it hard to find a 1950 mercury clutch
Cheers guys

 

Centerforce makes a replacement diaphragm clutch for early and late flatheads that will bolt to your Merc Borg & Beck pattern flywheel. A common GM ((sbc) diaphragm will also bolt directly onto the '49-'53 Mercury flywheels. I found mine at our local clutch rebuilder. Just match the throw-out bearing diameter and clutch finger height. The '49-'50 Mercs used large T/O bearings for the 1 3/8" inputs and require the "straight finger" diaphragm, while the '51-'53s used smaller T/O bearings with the 1" inputs and use a "bent finger" diaphragm.

 

Cheers for the reply guys, I dont suppose you would have a part number for the centreforce clutch as im in the UK and not sure what I'm looking for on the centreforce website.

 

If you have the old clutch it's quite possible that a clutch rebuild shop there can reline the disk and rebuild the diaphragm. I'd look into that.

 

The '49-'50 Mercury would use the same clutch and disc listed for '32-'48 Fords, because of the large 1 3/8" input. Numbers are #365222 for the pressure plate, and #381870 for the disc. I know these parts will fit your flywheel, but Centerforce states their flywheel must be used with their clutches. I asked them about this years ago, and the reply was that it was foolproof on their part and less confusing for the buyer to just use all their parts. I would contact and discuss this with them if you are concerned.
(I am using their steel flywheel, which is about 10 lbs lighter than a stocker, sfi certified, comes with a new ring gear and is drilled for both Long and B&B/diaphragm)
Their clutches are 10.4" dia. and have the B&B/common diaphragm evenly spaced bolt pattern, measuring 11 5/8" wide.
The Centerforce parts are not cheap, so it may be cheaper to have your B&B clutch rebuilt, but a diaphragm clutch is very hard to beat on cost, replacement availability and low pedal efforts.

 

Many thanks for the reply, most appreciated. Charlie

 

Just a quick query v8 Bob im guessing if I use the centreforce clutch I would use my original t/o bearing?

 

Correct. The straight finger diaphragm used on the '32-'48 application allows the use of your large OD t/o bearing.

 

Many thanks v8 Bob