Folks Of Interest Fort Wayne Clutch

I just got off the phone with Fort Wayne Clutch and I thought the folks here might be interested on how the conversation went. As a bit of background, I found a core left over from when I changed the clutch in my '51 Ford back in 2016. It was complete, in the original box, and had all of the original paperwork, including a sheet that said it was returnable for a $20 core charge as well as a UPS return label. Since I purchased it five years ago, I called them to make sure the return would go through and they told me that they didn't want it, as they were selling all new components now. This aroused my curiosity, and I asked him where they were able to get new components these days.

He answered, and this is a direct quote : "Oh, some guy named 'Wong Fu'."

 

I’ll be. Do they still rebuild clutches, or only sell now?

 

Budget36 : asks: I’ll be. Do they still rebuild clutches, or only sell now?

tubman says : they told me that they didn't want it, as they were selling all new components now.

 

I got the impression that they only rebuild clutches that they can't buy new.

 

I haven’t been there in years but you
might consider Surge Friction in South Holland,IL. They do clutches for cars, heavy trucks, tractors, race cars, pretty much everything. Might be worth a call.

 

This guy is a one man show and will rebuild your components. good place for Minnesotan's anyway, https://www.yelp.com/biz/clutch-doctor-north-branch

 

They may not want your core but aren't they required to accept it and pay you your $20?

 

I just saw this. Yes they are. Unfortunately, the UPS return label had expired, and by the time I paid return shipping, it wouldn't have been worth the effort.

 

Ft. Wayne in Indiana is the BEST. I have had the impossible for rare Brand X clutches for Classic and other prewar cars. They always said "no problem" and they made/fixed/replaced the RIGHT way. And they did them quickly. And they did them very reasonable. I will continue to use them. A great and responsible group.

 

. When is the last time you dealt with them ?

 

Give Kentucky Clutch a call:
Home | Kentucky Clutch | Car, Tractor & Truck Clutch Repair & Kits

 

I am fortunate to locally have clutch re-builder/supplier South Bend Clutch Inc, who has provided quality clutch parts/service for many years. I switched to diaphragm p-plates on my flathead and FE cars that are common in-stock street performance items. Keep in mind Borg & Beck and Long p-plates haven't been used in U.S. vehicle production for many many years, so making the change to the simpler, normally less expensive, more available and easier operating diaphragm may be a better option. I know it was for me!

You need to know your p-plate finger height, throw-out bearing diameter, bolt pattern you have or want, approx. HP and intended usage.
Most diaphragms have an equally spaced bolt circle, but there are some available that are direct replacement for Long patterns.
For flathead guys, the Mercury Borg & Beck pattern is the same as common GM bent finger diaphragms.

https://www.southbendclutch.com/

Bob

 

Hey. Don't shoot the messenger. All I did was report verbatim a conversation I had with them on the phone.

Ignore it at you like. Attitudes like yours seem to be prevalent lately.

 

Maybe it had something to do with the FIVE years or you just lucked out and got a smart ass on the phone.The ups wpuld probably be close to the 20.00 now..

 

That's what I said. Also, I don't deal with businesses that allow "smart ass's" to answer their customer support phone lines.

 

They still reman some stuff, look on their website and it will tell you if they sell it new or rebuild yours. Sadly most of the Ford Flathead stuff is "new".

 

Last year this time, I needed a clutch disc for my '50 Ford. 9.5 inch but with 1 1/16th inch spline. Was told no problem and promptly shipped it. Installed it, and indeed, no problem. Couldn't drive it before and now operates smoothly as it should. I didn't have to send a core back so I'm guessing it's new. Price was OK, service and quality was good and I didn't have to talk to a smart ass. Sorry your experience was not to your liking.. Is your clutch still working well?

 

Thanks for asking. It has worked perfectly for the last nine years.

 

I've had a lot of clutch problems from different sources, even name brands. Went with Fort Wayne on a few and have been very happy with the results.

 

I dealt with Lou at Ft. Wayne, and he knew exactly what I was looking for. (49-50 Merc B&B)
Said that they do a lot of them. Shipped the next day.
Only issue was the price. Didn’t know about KY Clutch at the time.

 

I've put South Bend Clutches in 3 different trucks, great products and great people.

 

Used them again a couple of months ago. And, as they say, I'll be back, and again.