Hydraulic clutch using stock Ford parts?

Scott H. · 07-17-2008, 08:05 PM

I know this is a long shot, but have any of you donea hydraulic clutch conversion using stock Ford parts?
Before I go any further on "re-inventing the wheel"... yet again, just thought I'd check.

I picked up a complete system from an '83 F150 last weekend. The slave will work perfect 2" throw, 1" bore. The master cylinder I could make work if I fabricated a scab plate, but it would be hard to make look clean. So I'm thinking of using a master cylinder from a Turbo coupe. But I need to figure out how it attaches to the firewall, and check the stroke. Bore is correct at 7/8"

If any of you have done this, I'd be greatly appreciative to hear the "what's" and "hows".

Much obliged amigo! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

Aussie66Fastback · 07-17-2008, 10:09 PM

nfi mate. you look to be on your own on this one.

Scott H. · 07-17-2008, 10:43 PM

That seems to be theway on most projects I do.

We've got a pretty goodwrecking yard fairly local, so I'll go back and do some more digging.
Really trying to stay with all Ford parts on any wear items, as I do a lot of long distance touring.
It's a pain in the neck trying to find specialized stuff on a weekend. Were as the local parts store would have (or be able to get) a stock replacement part fairly easy. The slave cylinder I found fits a whole boatload of popular vehicles. So I just need a master cylinder that is properly matched, and as popular.
When I get it dialed in, I'll do a post in case it may help out others.

valley firearms · 07-17-2008, 11:07 PM

I had the slave cylinder off a mid 80's truck when I first started to think about the conversion. The pastic hose and slave didn't look like it would have held up. When I purchased all my stuff to do the conversion, it wasn't that expensive.

http://cnc.carshopinc.com/product_in.../13667/711-3/4
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Scott H. · 07-17-2008, 11:30 PM

Good points!
It's not about expense. It's about being stuck on the road in a hotel until Tuesday when UPS shows up with a replacement for a failed custom part. Any Kragen or Autozoo can get stock Ford parts for popular vehicles the next day. So worst case, it breaks on Saturday, and I'm on the road again Monday.
The other issue I have is with the CNC setup is the T.O. riding the clutch fingers. I just really don't like that (it's a personal thing). No room for heat expansion, or for wear. I have a tendency to be pretty rough with the clutch. I'm also extremely picky about the engagement zone of theclutch pedal, in relation to the brake and gas pedal. So there's a whole lot of reasons I want to go this way.

When I first saw the hose setup, I thought the same thing as you. Then I walked two trucks over and found out they use the same setup I just picked up, all the way to the F350. Work trucks get one heck of a work out, especially on brakes and clutches, and I'd have to think the clutch in an F350 has got to be pretty stout.