Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova - Page 11

**Bill Rose** · #**101** 07-04-2013, 11:54 PM

So today was a big day. I had all day to get something done. Decided to stick the motor and trans in. The motor went right in/no issues except it's a tight space for a Chevy big block.

Then it was time to stick the trans in. It shouldn't really be a big deal, just put it up there and push.....right? Well I spent 2 hours trying to drive it in that last 1/2" .......no way it was going to go in. I finally decided to pull it back out and look for the problem. Well I found why.

The cheap piece of $hit throwout bearing fell apart. I can believe Summit would sell this piece of junk. My fault for not paying close attention to the bearing that cam with the clutch package. Lesson learned I guess. See pic below. The bearing had a cheap tin foil ring pressed on it, to hold it in place, instead of a steel one piece bearing.

Lesson: Don't use the cheap bearing that comes with the clutch kit!!!

This is what it looked like before it fell apart.

This is after it broke off.

**wheelhop** · #**102** 07-05-2013, 12:05 AM

If that's the hot rod you say it is, you don't need a throw out bearing. Just jam It in the next gear and go!!

**njsteve** · #**103** 07-05-2013, 12:22 AM

OUCH! Who makes the clutch kit for Summit? I know Zoom makes clutches for NAPA, maybe they make them for Summit, too?

**Bill Rose** · #**104** 07-05-2013, 01:16 AM

Steve....The clutch kit is a Ram. It's not a thousand dollar clutch, but it's a good street clutch. It was $400 for the clutch, pres plate, and "throwout bearing" I sent Summit pictures, and let them know how much time it cost me. We'll see what happens.

Postsedan · #**105** 07-05-2013, 11:59 AM

URGH! What`s even worse is having a problem like this without a lift......Bill I think I heard you swearing yesterday all the way in Chicago....HA, "ECHOES Of NORWOOD" more like....
"ECHOES OF Rose"

Hope Summit does the "Right" thing! Your getting close now, looking Great [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

**mockingbird812** · #**106** 07-05-2013, 02:02 PM

Bill - Good response (to Summit w/ pix). Keep us posted on whether they do the right thing or not.

P.S. your M.O. L78 'El C' looks BAD *SS lurking in the background!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/shocked.gif[/img]

**napa68** · #**107** 07-05-2013, 03:06 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OUCH! Who makes the clutch kit for Summit? I know Zoom makes clutches for NAPA, maybe they make them for Summit, too? </div></div>

Those are made by Luk. Not perfect though. It's getting tough to find a throw out bearing that does not have a plastic collar.

**Bill Rose** · #**108** 07-06-2013, 03:23 AM

69VN · #**109** 07-06-2013, 03:40 PM

I believe you can still get a throwout bearing from GM. I bought mine at HBC. Here is the link:

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/s...aring-AC-1969/

You might want to check with the parts department at your local GM dealership. The price maybe slightly lower. Hope this helps.

**Bill Rose** · #**110** 07-06-2013, 09:41 PM

Thanks Sal, but I already have a Centerforce bearing ordered. I should have it on Monday. I have 2 Centerforce bearings on other cars, with no issues.

Lots to do in the mean time. It took all day today to do the fairly simple job, painting the metal parts of the dash, clove comp, ash tray, etc.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.