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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 1Bad500 on April 04, 2019, 07:56:06 PM

Title: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: 1Bad500 on April 04, 2019, 07:56:06 PM
I just ordered a rebuild kit for my Toploader and since this build is for a daily driver I wanted to have a more modern setup. Anyone do a hydraulic throw out bearing & clutch master on a 4 speed? If so, are you happy with it and how did you do it as I only see one kit available for a Galaxie? Anyone have this setup in a big Ford/Merc?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: Heo on April 05, 2019, 08:52:09 AM
Not Hyd. throw out and not a big ford but done it
several times on various cars. I used Girling slave
and Master (Volvo Amazon) as it was what i had
laying around. Works fantastic
Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: HTM101 on April 07, 2019, 12:59:30 PM
I installed a McLeod HTOB a few years back against a big input Toploader.  The retailer stated it wouldn't leak.  I asked because I was aware of other owner complaints regarding leaks.  However, it did leak within 6 months of the installation.

I called McLeod and spoke with the engineer who designed that unit.  He told me to send him the unit and when he finished with a modification, he guaranteed me it wouldn't leak.  His guarantee sounded like the retailer's promise of no leak.  Anyway, during the conversation with the engineer I wanted to know what his fix would be and why he was able to offer the guarantee.  He explained they had recently replaced 2 of the 4 internal round O-rings with square O-rings.

So...I sent the HTOB to McLeod, they rebuilt it, and before I installed it, I took it apart to see the mods.  And yes sir, there were 2 square O-rings where there used to be round ones.  I had kept the round ones before I sent the unit to McLeod for rebuild.

End of story, this rebuilt HTOB has been working great for several years now.


Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: blykins on April 07, 2019, 02:24:20 PM
There will be lots of modifications to run one in an older car, including strengthening the firewall and modifying the clutch pedal.  There’s really no benefit to it.  It may be “modern” but IMO, on these older cars, the factory mechanical linkage works excellently.

In cars with narrow tunnels, you don’t have a choice.
Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: BattlestarGalactic on April 08, 2019, 08:00:42 AM
I wouldn't.   The factory Z bar is just fine. 

I know lots of people that are converting stuff to cable.  Typically in smaller cars, though not my choice of option.
Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: machoneman on April 08, 2019, 10:32:48 AM
Yes, if the Z-bar pivots are in good shape as is the clutch pedal pivot, no gain in my mind with a hydro unit. Save the bucks needed for those parts and sheet metal stiffening and buy some more go-fast parts!
Title: Re: Hydraulic Clutch setup on a Toploader?
Post by: Heo on April 08, 2019, 11:31:43 AM
There will be lots of modifications to run one in an older car, including strengthening the firewall and modifying the clutch pedal.  There’s really no benefit to it.  It may be “modern” but IMO, on these older cars, the factory mechanical linkage works excellently.

In cars with narrow tunnels, you don’t have a choice.

 On the cars i have done it is with Swaped engine and trans
or scratchbuilt chassies
so easier to build a hyd.setup than a mecanical
Modern i dont know....Amazon had it from 1956-70