I have been following the many auto to manual conversion threads out there and have accumulated most of the parts and getting ready to dive in but only into shallow water with converting my 76.

I originally was just looking to do a swap to a 4-speed - borg warner super t10 which I have. I have the stock corvette bell housing for this also. I wasnt up to the 5 speed swap and I got hold of most of the parts for the 4 speed swap at a good price in one purchase.

I became intersted in the hydraulic clutch configuration because the 76 automatics do not have the clutch z bar bracket on the frame. I thought about getting one welded in place but I dont see that happening without pulling the engine. There looks like there is a brake line manifold on the same spot on the frame.

I also have the truck bellhousing set up with for hydraulic slave cylinder. As you all know this has the 5 1/8 bore hole to receive the bearing retainer on the correct trans for that bell.

The Super t-10 has the standard 4 11/16 od bearing retainier. So as not to ruin the trans I was thinking of getting hold of a bracket for the slave used on jeep to chevy conversions to use with my stock bellhousing...see this link....

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_hcr3.htm

I seems a bit overpriced since I just want the bracket. Has anyone out there ever had a similar bracket fabricated. I am in North Jersey and dont know of any machine shop that would fabricate one.

Any ideas or experience out there with making one?

Or perhaps a "ring" to make up for the diffence between the bearing retainer and the truck bell housing?

Thanks, Joe

 

With everyone converting to hydraulic clutches why hant anyone gone to a Hydraulic Clutch Release Bearing and eliminate the whole linkage?

http://www.stockcarproducts.com/clutch4.htm

 

Doug/Carguy4sure made his own bracket and bolted it to a stock bellhousing. It worked out really well. He did post pictures at one time but if you PM him and asked for them I am sure he will help you out. Carguy4sure.

 

Yes, the hydraulic release bearing is the other option. More expensive way to go and I have no familiarity with it.

Going the hydrailic master route that has been recommended so often on this forum, how will that GM truck master match up with any of these hydraulic bearings without blowing the bearing seals because the bore and throw was incorrect on the master?