R V Anderson's Watts style clutch.

[RGould1910]

Some years back RV Anderson reproduced a Watts style clutch. The price of the original material skyrocket and he used a ditterent material and asked some who purchased the kit to critique it. I have a 26-27 set up but am reluctant to install it fearing it wont work well. If anyone has experience with this clutch, good or bad, I'd like to hear from them.

[Rich P. Bingham]

Why ?

Changing clutch plates is a lot of work should this not prove satisfactory. What advantages are presumed ? I’m sorry, but efforts to re-invent the Model T clutch always seem like a solution in search of a problem.

[Oldav8tor]

A reputable shop I deal with used to recommend the Turbo 400 clutch but after much experience, went back to the original Ford Design. My dad used to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it....."

[RGould1910]

Hey Rich, I run Watts clutches in my 10 and 12. Advantages are a true neutral and the lugs on the brake drum don't get chewed up because the outer disks are thick fiber not steel. Disadvantages are you need the stronger spring sold by the parts houses and have to shorten the pegs on the clutch pressure ring because the clutch pack is thicker. If you have a high powered engine, the Watts clutch may not hold.
Both my 10 and 12 have engine upgrades and perform very well. The Watts clutches hold well and are an improvement over the stock set up ran for years. I have also ran the JackRabbit.clutch on a couple cars but the grooving on the brake drum lugs was accelerated. That shouldnt be a problem on a 26- 27 with the steel brake drum shoes, however.
They do provide a free neutral but slipping the clutch when shifting gears risks separation of the lining.
Unless I receive positive feedback. I'll go with either the stock set op or a Jack rabbit clutch.
on my 27.
All that said, some folks run with the Ford set up and have a free neutral. My cars always crept forward requiring the use of the parking brake when starting. Not a big deal but a true neutral is nice to have.

[Craig Leach]

Hi Richard,
I used a Watts clutch in my speedster
Because my clutch basket repair gave
Poor results shelling the ford clutch I
Installed because did not get the lugs
Square enough to give even contact to
the plates. Not having another clutch
Basket I decided to try a Watts. I have
found it’s performance very satisfactory.
After break in it has not been touched.
It disengages free enough to push the if
needed & doesn’t creep @ all.
I have plans to build a HP T engine only
Using the brake & clutch & fitting a
Model A transmission using a Watts clutch
so it will be easy to shift.
Craig.

[Original Smith]

Randall like those. I've never used one. I use Lang's turbo 400 in mine.

[RGould1910]

Thanks fot the replies, fellas. Because I have a 27 transmission with new shoes on the lugs, I may go with the Turbo. I would surely hate to install Andersons clutch and redo everything if it is unsatisfactory.

[Rich P. Bingham]

Just curious, how do these optional plates solve the problem of ragged lugs on a worn-out brake drum and “basket” ?

[TXGOAT2]

Conformability?

[Moxie26]

Watts clutch installed on engine rebuild in 2000. .... Have used Mobile One synthetic 10w30 ever since... Other than transmission band adjustment and a recent set of new linings, operates with satisfaction.

[RajoRacer]

The composite material is quite thicker than a stock Ford disc - you only use a limited number of material discs.

[Rich P. Bingham]

Thanks, Steve. Makes sense.