47-55.1 1953 project truck flywheel/clutch match? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bigdawg64 · 08-29-2019, 01:42 PM

Hello all,
I purchased a 53 Chevy pickup. Completely disassembled. When I got ready to install the tranny, I noticed that the clutch assembly was to small. I ordered 4 different clutch kits and none of them fit. The flywheel has the bb on the engine side top line up top dead center. Motor is a 216 inline 6. Machined surface for the clutch measures 11”. The diameter of the flywheel is 13” ish. I feel like flywheel is correct for motor but after 4 failed attempts at ordering clutch, I might just try and order the whole assembly. Any thoughts or help would be extremely helpful

mr48chev · 09-02-2019, 02:37 PM

A look at the GM heritage archives shows that a 53:

3100 was available with a 9-1/8 or optional 10-3/4 clutch.
3600 = 10-3/4
3800 = 10-3/4

4100 = 10-3/4
5100 = 10-3/4
6100 = 10-3/4

10-3/4 is the largest clutch disk they showed for any of the 53 trucks.

I'm not finding any larger disk (clutch diameter is the diameter of the disk) If the flywheel hasn't been resurfaced have you measured the contact area where the disk made contact on the flywheel? That would give you the best info Not what it might be but the actual wear mark from where it made contact.

Volfandt · 09-02-2019, 08:47 PM

This pic shows a 54 235 flywheel on the left and a 49 216 flywheel on the right.
Notice the difference in clutch plate contact surface and how far out the pressure plate bolt holes are on the 235.

The 235 takes a 10" clutch assembly and the 216 takes a 9".

ON the 235 flywheel the BB is 2 degrees ATDC (to the left of the UC mark). On the 216 it's 5 degrees BTDC ( to the right of the UC mark).

Your 53 flywheel may resemble one or the other.

Perhaps this is helpful.

08-29-2019, 01:42 PM	#1
Bigdawg64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: East Randolph,Vt Posts: 1	1953 project truck flywheel/clutch match? Hello all, I purchased a 53 Chevy pickup. Completely disassembled. When I got ready to install the tranny, I noticed that the clutch assembly was to small. I ordered 4 different clutch kits and none of them fit. The flywheel has the bb on the engine side top line up top dead center. Motor is a 216 inline 6. Machined surface for the clutch measures 11”. The diameter of the flywheel is 13” ish. I feel like flywheel is correct for motor but after 4 failed attempts at ordering clutch, I might just try and order the whole assembly. Any thoughts or help would be extremely helpful

09-02-2019, 02:37 PM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,408	Re: 1953 project truck flywheel/clutch match? A look at the GM heritage archives shows that a 53: 3100 was available with a 9-1/8 or optional 10-3/4 clutch. 3600 = 10-3/4 3800 = 10-3/4 4100 = 10-3/4 5100 = 10-3/4 6100 = 10-3/4 10-3/4 is the largest clutch disk they showed for any of the 53 trucks. I'm not finding any larger disk (clutch diameter is the diameter of the disk) If the flywheel hasn't been resurfaced have you measured the contact area where the disk made contact on the flywheel? That would give you the best info Not what it might be but the actual wear mark from where it made contact. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

09-02-2019, 08:47 PM	#3
Volfandt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 87	Re: 1953 project truck flywheel/clutch match? This pic shows a 54 235 flywheel on the left and a 49 216 flywheel on the right. Notice the difference in clutch plate contact surface and how far out the pressure plate bolt holes are on the 235. The 235 takes a 10" clutch assembly and the 216 takes a 9". ON the 235 flywheel the BB is 2 degrees ATDC (to the left of the UC mark). On the 216 it's 5 degrees BTDC ( to the right of the UC mark). Your 53 flywheel may resemble one or the other. Perhaps this is helpful. Attached Images



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