Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[Kevin54]

Kevin, do you know specifically what Aural Warning Systems she did the voice over for? The flaps, gear, wind shear, bank angle, Ground Proximity Warning System- GPWS, and the Traffic Collision Avoidance System- TCAS are all male voices on the 767-200 and 400's.

Do you mean you haven't ever flown on a Boeing plane or haven't flown on an aircraft of any type? If not, we need to get that corrected. I'm flying tonight and will check out the Honeywell gear, thanks.

Thomas

Thomas....I don't know what warning system it was. I'll have to ask her and get back to you.

And no, I've never flown on a plane and really never had the opportunity to. Well I take that back, I was supposed to go to Greenwood S.C. and show some of the workers how to run some tooling and jobs, but I didn't see a need to go and told my boss at the time that I could explain it to them over the phone and save the company an unneeded expense. The other time I was supposed to go to Texas and take a course in running the new SLA / Stereolithograph machine we bought, but an old boss became my new boss again, so anytime I had a chance to do something he would throw a roadblock up. That's a story in itself though.

As far as the Honeywell stuff on the plane, it the interior lights, exterior, and yes, the Ground Proximity Warning System is ours. I don't know how many years ago that has been. Maybe 10? Anymore I have a heck of a time keeping track of when this and that happened.

 

[Kevin54]

A few pages back we had a short discussion on young people and hanging around and learning things.
A humorous story to come about.
I spent this morning with 2 neighborhood kids, I caught them trying to steal gas from my mowers ( I won't get started but I know when younger a hose or two was in my mouth trying to start a siphon going) problem being my mowers all have Diesels in them. When I came out all 6' 1" and 250lbs of me in my skivvies yelling they all tried to kick over their quads and escape problem being 2 of the 3 had already filled their almost empty 1.5 gallon tanks with diesel, these 2 made it a block. Remembering my own misguided times at that age (when gas was a full $.40 per gallon I tried to keep a stern face as I took these delinquents to their respective parents. I told them they would have to leave their machines at my house as it was going to be work to get them rrunning and they should be taught a lesson the parents agreed. Today these two came over we took apart fuels systems drained tanks cleaned one carb and one injection system. Then I made them mow my lawn and trim it filled with their quads with gas and went out with them on my sons for a ride. The parents still are punishing them in their own way, they both said they were scared to come over today , but are wondering if they can come back on sunday afternoon when I service my mowers so they can help. I believe I made a couple young friends today LOL hope to get some pics of them helping me in the garage tomorrow they were amazed at all the tools I had and that they could fix their own rides without having to ask mom or dad to pay the shop to do it.

Gordy....Kudos to you Hopefully they will learn a very valuable lesson that will stay with them for life, and they can possibly help some misguided youth when they get older. What you made them do will stick with them more than any grounding or punishment the parents can dole out to them. I know if I was in their shoes, I would have been scared shitless to have to face the one you stole off of. Good job!!!!

 

[Vernmotor]

A few pages back we had a short discussion on young people and hanging around and learning things.
A humorous story to come about.
I spent this morning with 2 neighborhood kids, I caught them trying to steal gas from my mowers ( I won't get started but I know when younger a hose or two was in my mouth trying to start a siphon going) problem being my mowers all have Diesels in them. When I came out all 6' 1" and 250lbs of me in my skivvies yelling they all tried to kick over their quads and escape problem being 2 of the 3 had already filled their almost empty 1.5 gallon tanks with diesel, these 2 made it a block. Remembering my own misguided times at that age (when gas was a full $.40 per gallon I tried to keep a stern face as I took these delinquents to their respective parents. I told them they would have to leave their machines at my house as it was going to be work to get them rrunning and they should be taught a lesson the parents agreed. Today these two came over we took apart fuels systems drained tanks cleaned one carb and one injection system. Then I made them mow my lawn and trim it filled with their quads with gas and went out with them on my sons for a ride. The parents still are punishing them in their own way, they both said they were scared to come over today , but are wondering if they can come back on sunday afternoon when I service my mowers so they can help. I believe I made a couple young friends today LOL hope to get some pics of them helping me in the garage tomorrow they were amazed at all the tools I had and that they could fix their own rides without having to ask mom or dad to pay the shop to do it.

Your a good man ! makes me proud ....Them Kids will tell about this when they get older.. I sure they will never forget..

 

[HOTFR8]

gordyy - nicely done .

 

[Gentleman Adventurer]

Thomas;
You have surely done an amazing job with your restoration and building projects. A great inspiration! I have spent several weeks reading (and wasting time, ) through this thread. Besides all the projects, the thread has cultivated a pretty good community. I am looking forward to becoming a member. Your bride Chris is a great helper (motivator I'm sure )

If I ever get to the Center of the world, I would like to stop by and say hello.
We can swap a flying story or two and I'll bring the Lattes. I don't fly starch wings very much, but I've been known to pilot a fling wing for most of my life (CH47, UH60, etc).

Have a blessed day!

Gordy, good job with the young men.

 

[markviii]

Now, now, now, Gentleman Adventurer. The lessons imparted in the Center of the Universe never include "wasting time" - not much of that going on around here. No time for it! You must have been speed reading and missed some of the content along the way. You've bumped into our community (which now includes all 7 continents). Stick around and share your comments any time. And if you have a garage, add it to the gallery. We'd all like to see it. Participation = Inclusion. Welcome to the vortex! (share where you're from and any other pertinent demographics so we know your interests/activities)

Gordyy - your experience with the boys touched my heart. Thanks for sharing. Those boys will only benefit from their original mistake because of your efforts. That their parents were receptive to your intervention was gratifying.

I saw a great museum, Wheels O' Time, in Dunlap, IL, up near Peoria, today on our yearly car club bus trip. We all had a great time going through the 4 buildings. Here's the link. http://wheelsotime.org/ The museum has been in existence for about 30 years and is staffed by volunteers (most in their 70s and 80s). It is affiliated with 2 or 3 other museums. All of the antique cars on display were either donated or are being stored for a fee. Everything was displayed very effectively with good signage.

With so few of these small museums closing in the past few years, we should all give our business to the ones that remain. This particular one warrants another, more in depth, visit. Two hours only scratched the surface.

After lunch, we started back toward Champaign, taking time to stop in Bloomington, IL, at Bob Taylor's Classic Auto. He deals in classic cars at his "dealership". It was definitely worth the stop. I shared info with Bob and his wife about our shop - they might come over for a tour. On July 27, there will be a benefit car show and festival at their business. Here's the link for that: http://www.classicpony.com/Showz_Cruisez/Flyers/7-27-13%20Bloomingham.jpg Sounds like lots of fun.

Hope tomorrow is clear because I want to take my Lincoln Mark VIII to a car show. Keep your fingers crossed.

Chris

 

[Kevin54]

Chris......when you and Thomas first came on board and Tom posted about his garage, did either of you two ever think it would have went as far as it has and even making it in a magazine? And then to hear from people from all around the world. Myself, I think it's amazing!!!

 

[markviii]

Not a clue! I didn't join the board until a month after the first pictures went viral. And we started gaining friends and potential adopted family members - ZRX61 was the first to ask ("Are you looking to adopt any .. erm... *mature* kids any time soon?" in post #377, pg. 19) which, I guess, prompted me to join the GJ forum and make my first post on the thread (post #378). In future posts, ZRX61 continued to stretch our imaginations about what features should be included at our piece of heaven. "The big question I have is: Where is the patio/BBQ pit/bar/entertainment area going?" which led to other suggestions of swimming pools and drag strip/landing strip for fun and visitors. Suggestions of magazine features happened as well. Who knew! Now this thread is part of our daily life - very fulfilling and fun, meeting new people from all over the world has been fun. And I know you're all anticipating the eventual test. Preparation is everything (on both your part and mine)!

And Kevin54 - thanks for sticking with us since Jan 1, 2010 - post #136 when you were "speechless".

I just checked radar - looks like no rain until dinnertime, so I'm off to the car show.

Chris

 

[dcm5652]

Speaking of Car Shows Tonight on Speed Chanel at 10:00 p.m. eastern time, on My Classic Car, they are featuring the Somernites Cruise taken last September. I had 3 of my Mark V's there and got my picture taken with Dennis Gage.

 

[markviii]

The car show was a great success today! The dealership lot was crammed with almost 100 cars. Many were first-timers who decided to come out because this is the last show at this dealership before it moves across town. It was a fundraiser for United Way, so no entry fee. Lunch (hamburgers or brats, chips, pop, ice cream sandwich) was free unless you wanted to make a donation. Almost everyone did, so the charity raised quite a bit of money.

Thanks for sharing the pictures, dcm5652. How did you get 3 cars to the show?

Wish I could see My Classic Car, but we don't have cable. Dennis is quite the character. We were at a car show where he was filming several years ago (I think in Evansville, IN). Someone told me the other day that Speed Channel is going away. Is that true? When I travel, I can sometimes get it on the hotel tv. Very entertaining.

Chris

 

[dcm5652]

I drove the Cream one, my Girl-friend drove the Blue, Collector Series, and my Daughter drove the Grey Spring Feature car. I just watched the show on TV and could see the back of them when the camera-man scanned a 61 Black Impala behind them.

 

[Kevin54]

The car show was a great success today! The dealership lot was crammed with almost 100 cars. Many were first-timers who decided to come out because this is the last show at this dealership before it moves across town. It was a fundraiser for United Way, so no entry fee. Lunch (hamburgers or brats, chips, pop, ice cream sandwich) was free unless you wanted to make a donation. Almost everyone did, so the charity raised quite a bit of money.

Thanks for sharing the pictures, dcm5652. How did you get 3 cars to the show?

Wish I could see My Classic Car, but we don't have cable. Dennis is quite the character. We were at a car show where he was filming several years ago (I think in Evansville, IN). Someone told me the other day that Speed Channel is going away. Is that true? When I travel, I can sometimes get it on the hotel tv. Very entertaining.

Chris

I don't think SPEED is going away, but they did change the name to "Velocity"

We ran into Dennis Gage a few years back at Piqua, Ohio. There is a Powder Coating company called Aesthetic Finishers, and every year they have a huge car show. Dennis Gage was there, and the older guy that narrates the Mothers Car Shows was there also. IIRC, one year there were like 400+ cars at the show. I was going to speak with Dennis, but he had one guy on his tail everywhere he went. If someone stopped Dennis to ask him if they could take his picture, his stalker would photobomb the pic. My wife and I walked around just to watch Dennis's stalker. I bet he photobombed 20-30 pictures

 

[santagary]

Kevin...what happened to your old Avatar????

 

[kbuhagiar]

I don't think SPEED is going away, but they did change the name to "Velocity"

Speed was purchased by the Fox network.
It is not going away but the new owners are considering some changes to the format.

Velocity is a separate motorsports/car enthusiast channel (and better, IMHO).

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[left coast r&c]

That thing is sick!!

 

[ZAPPER68]

Kevin, do you know specifically what Aural Warning Systems she did the voice over for? The flaps, gear, wind shear, bank angle, Ground Proximity Warning System- GPWS, and the Traffic Collision Avoidance System- TCAS are all male voices on the 767-200 and 400's.

I listen to a female voice on the GPWS & TCAS in the aircraft I fly. I have often wondered whose voice it is...she certainly does get your attention at times.

 

[MetalMangler]

Just a quick note... The "Beltsville Shell" book is once again up for grabs! First PM to me is the next lucky recipient of this great trip back in history.

Let the feeding frenzy begin!

MM

*EDIT: p_mori7 is the next lucky reader in Montreal QC, so it'll be heading due North next!

 

[BB767]

Just a quick note... The "Beltsville Shell" book is once again up for grabs! First PM to me is the next lucky recipient of this great trip back in history.

Let the feeding frenzy begin!

MM

Isn't that a fun book to read? I think the author, Cary Thomas, hit it just right, espcially for those of us who remember those times. MM please post on here who you send the book to next so we all can keep track of it.

At present I'm in Martin, MI for the Summer National Factory Stock Drags. I'll update the event and my frustrations when I get home plus pictures.

More frustrated than you can possibly believe, Thomas

 

[ZAPPER68]

Hi Thomas,

This you should find interesting from another Continental Skipper, sent to me by a fellow aviator.

I hung up my goggles last October after 40 years....

 

[markviii]

WOW!!! Thank you for that - brought tears to my eyes, each of the several times viewed. Enya is the most appropriate background music to accompany that "last flight". Tom will certainly appreciate this. I know he's never felt his time as a pilot was wasted. From an early age, it was his dream job. How many people get to live their dreams? He has.

Chris

 

[MetalMangler]

Isn't that a fun book to read? I think the author, Cary Thomas, hit it just right, espcially for those of us who remember those times. MM please post on here who you send the book to next so we all can keep track of it.

At present I'm in Martin, MI for the Summer National Factory Stock Drags. I'll update the event and my frustrations when I get home plus pictures.

More frustrated than you can possibly believe, Thomas

I'm sorry to hear that your time at the Drags has been frustrating, but yes the book was a great trip back in time. My personal timeline only started in 1970 so while I can't claim any personal hold on that time, there is definitely something about that slice of history that has a resonance! I was reading a bit to my teenage son and he was all "Why aren't there service stations like that now?!?!" So the resonance isn't only with me, it's with multiple generations!

MM

 

[dcm5652]

Beautiful, That really hit home,... even though I am not a retired pilot it sums up a lot of what I have felt since I retired 9 years ago.

 

[DynoDave]

Isn't that a fun book to read? I think the author, Cary Thomas, hit it just right, espcially for those of us who remember those times. MM please post on here who you send the book to next so we all can keep track of it.

At present I'm in Martin, MI for the Summer National Factory Stock Drags. I'll update the event and my frustrations when I get home plus pictures.

More frustrated than you can possibly believe, Thomas

I hope to catch up to this book some day.

Sorry my adopted home state isn't treating you better.

 

[Coyote Red]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in, but I came across the story of Walt Arfons passing, and thought of this thread knowing the connection that had developed with Bonneville.

Mr. Arfons had sustained a heart attack while watching another driver crash his car during testing.

Walt Arfons, a Pioneer With Cars Using Jet Engines, Dies at 96

 

[BB767]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in, but I came across the story of Walt Arfons passing, and thought of this thread knowing the connection that had developed with Bonneville.


Walt Arfons, a Pioneer With Cars Using Jet Engines, Dies at 96

Of course I don't mind at all Coyote Red. I do appreciate you taking the time to post and let us know about Walt, thank you. You are quite correct about this thread and a connection that runs through it to Bonneville. I was mesmerized by both Walt and Art growing up and reading about them in Popular Mechanics in the early 1960's. That was the publication my Dad subscribed to and that was my only access to reading material about all things automotive. I just love the last line in the article you sent the link for:

Walt liked to say, “There’s nothing like sitting in a car and feeling the afterburners.” Walt Arfons, one of my childhood heroes, may he rest in peace.

Thomas

 

[frikkie]

Hi Thomas,

This you should find interesting from another Continental Skipper, sent to me by a fellow aviator.

I hung up my goggles last October after 40 years....

That was an amazing clip...

 

[BB767]

Now for your patient consideration....the continuing saga of "Chevy II Woes; Why Won't It Go"???? or (CWWWIG for short).

A quick refresher, remember I bought and restored the shop to use for my cars, first project in the shop was...



...the little '66 Chevy II that has flashed brilliance on the drag strip, consistently humbling big block muscle cars, but has suffered intermittent shifting problems. This year after much past frustration, I decided to find and cure the shifting problem once and for all. With that in mind I replaced the Lakewood scatter shield bell-housing I have been using for a stock aluminum bell-housing. That also allowed me to use all stock shifting clutch linkages, clutch fork, ball stud etc. Apparently the geometry for all these on a Chevy II is somewhat critical and may have contributed to my problems. Bell-housing alignment is pretty critical also so I used...



...a Browell bell-housing alignment tool, seen on the left, to insure that alignment was in good order. Specification is .007" (.01778 cm) or less, mine is .0005" (.00127 cm) or just about perfect. With my new parts installed along with a new clutch and pressure plate I then drove the car for a couple of weeks on the street to wear in the clutch and ensure all the parts were working well with each other. The car was shifting like a dream, it was looking promising so off the Martin Michigan, and US 131 Drag Strip for some racing fun.



I drove the car around the pits to warm it up then proceeded to the burnout area prior to the starting line to warm up the tires. After a good, solid burnout was done I couldn't get the car into any gear! I couldn't believe it! We pushed the car back to the pits and after getting it to once again shift properly the car was making unsettling grinding sounds from the clutch/pressure plate so I was done for the weekend.



Next day back in the barn...



...the transmission, bell-housing were removed. Inside the bottom of the bell housing I found...



...these little pieces of clutch lining material, never a good sign.



Externally everything with the clutch/pressure plate looked normal but once I pulled the pressure plate...



...you'll note 3 areas where upon closer inspection...



...clutch lining material has transfered from...



... the clutch pucks onto the pressure plate.



Note the 3 pucks where this material transfer has occurred. In effect the clutch welded itself to the pressure plate during the burnout and that's why I couldn't shift it into gear.



Flywheel looks basically fine...



...but I'll have it lightly re-ground to present a fresh, flat surface. The clutch/pressure plate was returned to the manufacturer and they said they'll replace it with a new one so............that's where I am at present, frustrated with a part failure but determined to prevail! Stand by.

Ever hopeful Thomas

 

[charlief1]

Been there and done that myself Thomas. When it happened to me it exploded on launch though. I was very lucky and it didn't come through the floor but it did shear the snout of the ****** and made one heck of a mess. Just glad you weren't hurt because I know what can happen when a clutch blows up.

BTW, is that a roller bearing I see in the crank? If it is throw that thing out and put a bronze one in it. Those roller units have caused more issues racing than I even want to think about. They're great if you plan to tear the ****** out every few weeks but other wise they just don't hold up that well.

 

[BB767]

Been there and done that myself Thomas. When it happened to me it exploded on launch though. I was very lucky and it didn't come through the floor but it did shear the snout of the ****** and made one heck of a mess. Just glad you weren't hurt because I know what can happen when a clutch blows up.

BTW, is that a roller bearing I see in the crank? If it is throw that thing out and put a bronze one in it. Those roller units have caused more issues racing than I even want to think about. They're great if you plan to tear the ****** out every few weeks but other wise they just don't hold up that well.

charlief1, since we are running treaded, bias ply street tires and not slicks, the rear tires won't hook well enough to shock the drive train to potentially cause the clutch to explode nor am I revving the engine any higher than 6,000 RPM. The cars are generally launched somewhat gently to keep from spinning the rear tires. That's one of the appeals to Pure Stock/Factory Stock Drag Racing. It's a bit easier on equipment.

The pilot bearing you spotted in the end of the crankshaft was done on the recommendation of several learned engineers not the least was Browell Engineering itself, makers of the bell-housing alignment tool. Their research showed that using a pilot bushings vrs a pilot bearing were causing some alignment/vibration issues so they recommend using a bearing. Pure Stock racing is not your typical drag racing. We're not are running "mega power" engines nor am I racing every weekend, just a few times each season. I've had that pilot bearing in there for several years now and it's held up fine. As always, thanks charlief1 for your input and interest, I appreciate it.

Thomas

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

"The clutch/pressure plate was returned to the manufacturer and they said they'll replace it with a new one so............that's where I am at present, frustrated with a part failure but determined to prevail! Stand by."


Thomas, sorry to hear about your racing woes; will the manufacturer help illuminate the actual cause of the failure? Being just a monkeyanic myself, I don't have a clue as to the root cause of the fail, but do you think it is the clutch pad material itself that was at fault?

Standing by to learn, once again, even more cool stuff about all things automotive; thanks!

 

[Vernmotor]

Well Boo ! Man I hate when you spend good money to buy good parts so you don't have these things happen. I be piss'ed.. there is a 4 speed forum for drag racers.. maybe they could shine some light on this ? or be helpful.

http://www.umtrnorth.com/

 

[Kevin54]

Thomas.....sorry to hear about your misfortune at the races. I did do a search for DXF pressure plate problems just for curiosity and you aren't the only one having shifting problems. Although Fords, is sounds like the problem you had. Shifting on the street was fine, but after a couple of burnouts they could shift the car. Interesting to say the least. If it was just one person, one instance, that's one thing, but it sounds to me like Centerline needs to look into it somewhat deeper than just a replacement to the people running them

http://2loose.chevytalk.org/55GasserClutchFailure01.html

http://ls1tech.com/forums/manual-tr...erforce-dfx-failure-after-2-5k-11-months.html

http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=576803

http://www.modularfords.com/threads/43476-DFX-Clutch-fork-hitting-clutch-pressure-plate

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/bolt-tech/295869-centerforce-pressure-plate-goes-bye-bye.html

 

[BB767]

While I wait for Center Force to study the clutch pictures I sent them here are a few more items for your perusal.



This is an Allen 6 volt battery tester...



...it does work which is always nice.







Those I think are probes for measuring the state of the electrolyte in the individual battery cells, back when you could easily service the cells.



It would display nicely with the old Allen distributor machine I recovered from the Tool Shed, roughly from the same era, 1940's.



This sleek machine is...



...an Auto-Lite spark plug cleaning machine. Can't really say how old it might be. 1930's - 40's if I had to guess.





It also works perfectly once it's hooked to an air source. Plugs come out very clean.





I probably have enough cleaning compound to fill my needs



This is a tow bar...



...that just clamps to the bumper of the car being towed.



From a much simpler time.



This Johnson oil is most appropriate too don't you think?



This Saf-T center running light is new...



...in the box.



I think that's a Mercury seen on the box.



And back when we had tubes in the tires a way to repair them.

I have more, stand by. Thanks Joe for your patience!

Thomas

 

[oberst]

That tow bar would look pretty spiffy all cleaned up strapped onto Gus's fender or bed side, military style with steel brackets and leather straps.

 

[BB767]

That tow bar would look pretty spiffy all cleaned up strapped onto Gus's fender or bed side, military style with steel brackets and leather straps.

What A great idea oberst, I hadn't thought of that. I do believe I'll set it aside for future use.

Many thanks my friend for the suggestion.

Thomas

 

[hobbitss]

While I wait for Center Force to study the clutch pictures I sent them here are a few more items for your perusal.

This is an Allen 6 volt battery tester...

...it does work which is always nice.

Those I think are probes for measuring the state of the electrolyte in the individual battery cells, back when you could easily service the cells.

It would display nicely with the old Allen distributor machine I recovered from the Tool Shed, roughly from the same era, 1940's.

This sleek machine is...

...an Auto-Lite spark plug cleaning machine. Can't really say how old it might be. 1930's - 40's if I had to guess.

It also works perfectly once it's hooked to an air source. Plugs come out very clean.

I probably have enough cleaning compound to fill my needs

This is a tow bar...

...that just clamps to the bumper of the car being towed.

From a much simpler time.

This Johnson oil is most appropriate too don't you think?

This Saf-T center running light is new...

...in the box.

I think that's a Mercury seen on the box.

And back when we had tubes in the tires a way to repair them.

I have more, stand by. Thanks Joe for your patience!

Thomas

TOOL SHED??? He Said Tool Shed!!!

Treasures from the Tool Shed Archeological Dig!!

 

[gordyy]

absolutly killer items from the tool shed.
A competing gas station in our town had an auto-lite spark plug machine like that
worked as good as our old square champion did
they worked so slick back in the day when your repaired things not replaced things.
Now days people willl look at you when you ask did you gap the plugs?
I think these new computer fired engines work as well at .040 all the way to .125 looking at some I have seen people take out. I remember the days the drag car would loose a 1/2 second if the plug gap was off by .005
Mr Johnson was probably proud to sell that Johnson Oil

 

[BB767]

Clutch update: Center Force said it shouldn't have happened, (well... yeah) and they don't have an explanation soooooo they are replacing the clutch and pressure plate and I'll try it again. It was suggested by them that lightly sand blasting the flywheel in my blast cabinet (using 60 PSI) will aid in bedding in the new clutch pads. Sometimes the flywheel resurfacing process leaves a "too slick" surface so they recommend lightly roughing it up.

Stand by.....

Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

Hello Thomas !
Great stuff as always !
Are you going to the Bloomington Gold at the Assembly Hall next weekend ?
Hope to see you soon , London is anxious to climb any gravel piles you might have sitting around !

Craig

 

[Fast Orange]

Thomas-
FWIW,years ago,my Dad was tooling up to resurface flywheels and brake rotors on an Arter rotary surface grinder. Talking with some engineers in the friction materials industry,he was cautioned about getting too smooth a surface and to allow a certain amount of runout on the rotors. The runout is needed to push the pads away from the brake rotors and the friction surfaces need some roughness to seat the lining material.
You mentioned that you ground the flywheel-I wonder if the different surface finishes of the flywheel and pressure plate may have been a contributing factor in the problem with the clutch ?