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Been asked to put 32 Chevrolet in Christmas parade but it is so much stop and go for many blocks. Worried about wear on clutch, anyone have any thoughts?

I would be more worried about heating up the throw out bearing than the clutch itself.

I replaced the solid bearing in both of my trucks ('27 and '28) with a new ball bearing type throw out bearing from FS. I've been in a couple of parades and don't worry any more about burning up the throw out bearing.

Cheers, Dean

RP,

I think it is great that you have been asked to drive your car in the parade. No one has ever asked me to do that. And, I know people. Go figure.

Put a leather length of bells on it. The old 32 will make them ring-a-ling all along the parade route. Just kidding. Forget the bells.

Like Dean says, heating first comes to mine, both coolant and clutch release bearing ("throw-out" to really old people.)

But I'm sure the money they pay will more than cover any "hook" and repair costs you may encounter. So go for it. I don't see where you have any thing to lose.

Best,

Charlie

I have my '33 and '37 in at least 2 parades a year and have for many years. They both have the original type throw out bearings and clutch plates. I have not had any problems with them.

Here in Collingwood, Ontario a vintage vehicle parade used to happen every July as part of the annual Elvis Fest (with fat Elvises as passengers). Parade route went from downtown up a long grade and ended at the high school (top of the grade). Many vehicles overheated. We asked them to change the route so that it was mostly downhill, ending at the bottom of the grade.

Problem solved.

CDP

Funny...my first parade (July 4th @ 90 degrees) I almost overheated. At the very end, I realized that I had gone downhill until almost the very end and could've coasted until the last 5 minutes. Next time I know.

Thanks for the input. Over heating did come to mind but my car has a heater which helps cool the engine when I run heater fan. Parade is on level ground just a long parade. When I mentioned clutch I was referring to the whole clutch system, throwout bearing included. No money involved pre register and get your number in parade when you show up. I have been in parades in the past with the 1916 490, usually end up behind a fire truck, cant see anything ahead!

Hi,

You'll be fine,

just don't ride the clutch .i.e.. when your stationary nock it out of gear and release the clutch, if you are not stopping and starting try to release the clutch fully, no strain on that carbon thrust race and will last ages, I even do this when I stop at street lights.

When you hold the clutch in you are pressing the crankshaft forward and causing excess wear on the thrust bearing in the engine. As suggested, release the clutch when possible.