1:1 Velvet drive trans rebuild

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   Hello guys, 

I am trying to work with a local mechanic, order my own parts, and have my 1:1 Velvet drive trans rebuilt locally. The local mechanic tells me that these transmissions were originally built with bronze clutches, but the manufacturer switched to “paper” clutches/clutch material in recent decades (i.e., post 1990) that don’t last as long.  The local guy says he only recommends using bronze clutches/clutch material, and that a "new" trans unit, such as one I might buy from DIM, would likely have the newer, paper clutches.

Can you guys tell me if there is any truth to this?  I'm a bit skeptical. 

Thank you for any info you can offer.

Jeff Lunceford

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jblunceford Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: April-10-2015 Location: Hoover, AL Status: Offline Points: 89	Post Options Post Reply Quote jblunceford Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1:1 Velvet drive trans rebuild Posted: July-03-2015 at 12:01pm
	Hello guys, I am trying to work with a local mechanic, order my own parts, and have my 1:1 Velvet drive trans rebuilt locally. The local mechanic tells me that these transmissions were originally built with bronze clutches, but the manufacturer switched to “paper” clutches/clutch material in recent decades (i.e., post 1990) that don’t last as long. The local guy says he only recommends using bronze clutches/clutch material, and that a "new" trans unit, such as one I might buy from DIM, would likely have the newer, paper clutches. Can you guys tell me if there is any truth to this? I'm a bit skeptical. Thank you for any info you can offer. Jeff Lunceford
	Jeff in Hoover (Birmingham), AL 1986 CC Martinique Bow Rider 351PCM

KENO Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: June-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 10753	Post Options Post Reply Quote KENO Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-04-2015 at 5:40pm
	Hi Jeff There was a change in clutch plates over the years from sintered bronze to cellulose fiber. I have a Borg Warner manual printed in 1985 that refers to the new cellulose fiber plates. They're really steel plates with the fiber coating on them. They were an advancement according to Borg Warner. Plenty of rebuild kits have the bronze plates in them, the cheaper kits seem to use bronze, you can draw your own conclusions from that. I've used both and never noticed a diffenence in how the transmission acted/felt. I'm sure there are plenty of transmissions out there with fiber and plenty with bronze all operating well. Life expectancy probably depends much more on proper oil level being maintained so there is no slippage due to low hydraulic pressure to the clutches. KenO

jblunceford Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: April-10-2015 Location: Hoover, AL Status: Offline Points: 89	Post Options Post Reply Quote jblunceford Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-10-2015 at 10:29am
	Great info....thank you for the clarification.
	Jeff in Hoover (Birmingham), AL 1986 CC Martinique Bow Rider 351PCM

1980nautique Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: December-25-2012 Location: W.Massachusetts Status: Offline Points: 146	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1980nautique Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-10-2015 at 11:07am
	I have found the Sintered Bronze clutches are more forgiving and last much longer than the Glued Facings of the "New Clutches". Hope that helps Jeff!!!

bwinn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: July-13-2009 Location: ct Status: Offline Points: 391	Post Options Post Reply Quote bwinn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July-10-2015 at 11:11am
	Also water is definitely an enemy to the fiber friction material and the glue so that is also something to consider.

1:1 Velvet drive trans rebuild

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