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Still At It - '54 Greenie

Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:53 pm
by sliver
The saga of my ’54 Greenie overhaul continues. My headstock didn’t have the access hole behind the logo so I cut one using my jig saw, drills, files and drum sanders. I left a small tab at the top and expoxied a steel flatwasher onto the housing, and on the back of the logo I expoxied a ¾” rare earth magnet in line with the washer. The logo now stays put and the small gap at the bottom gives room to grasp it for removal, plus some ventilation if that counts for anything. I also dismantled and cleaned the Gilmer clutch but I needed to test it for torque, so I used the methods shown by MICKYD and BILL MAYO – thanks. I used an big ol’ nut from my “I-should-keep-this-I might-need-it-some-day” bin and it slid over the shaft just right. I drilled it for a set screw which I ground down so it was level with the flat on the nut. To hold the clutch for testing I drilled a 2” hole in a piece of 2x4 and cut it down the middle, then wrapped a scrap of heavy leather around the teeth held in place with an elastic band, then the whole thing went into the vice. I applied the torque wrench and it tested right at 15 pounds which I believe is right on the money. I’m still at it, more to follow….

Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:38 pm
by mickyd
Hi-yo sliver!!! Good job!!

Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:39 pm
by RobertTaylor
very good. i just use my dado arbor and a socket on my torque wrench.

Gilmer Clutch Testing

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 2:57 am
by billmayo
Really nice job on the Logo access hole. I believe leaving the logo cover with space between it and the housing will allow better cooling and less sawdust in the headstock.

Yes, your Gilmer clutch torque of 15 ft. pds. is right on. The set screw in the clutch housing should line up with the hub flat and always make sure it is tight. I like your method of holding the clutch housing for testing the clutch better than mine. I will try gluing a piece of leather belt in each half of the wooden holder when I make it and try it next time I rebuild a clutch. Thanks for the pictures and information.

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:57 am
by mickyd
billmayo wrote:Really nice job on the Logo access hole. I believe ........

.........I will try gluing a piece of leather belt in each half of the wooden holder when I make it and try it next time I rebuild a clutch. Thanks for the pictures and information.
I was thinking.....with the wooden holder, do you really even need the leather?? Probably not, although it probably just makes a person feel better.

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 12:56 pm
by sliver
If I was testing several more clutches I would glue the leather like you suggest Bill. Mickyd, the leather is there to soften the impact on the Gilmer teeth and I think it provides a better grip than the bare wood, that's my story anyway. Thanks.