My Clutch Story.

[arbess]

Today I sent my car into the workshop to fit my "kick-as* state of the art" Exedy clutch.

After weeks and weeks of excitement and months of slippery clutch action, I saved enough to get it all done today.

As one would think, "yay new clutch no problem, just pop the old one out and put this in". If only it was that simple.

I recieve a call and get some terrible news. The flywheel bolt has been fugged and its not in a good shape. The shop needs a specialist to get it out, which cost money. -At this point in time I stick my hand down my pocket and find some left over sandwich and tic tacs.

They tell me its probably going to cost me $180 extra to fix the bolt issue. So I give them the green light to do it.

Now at this point I'm chucking a sook and throwing a tantrum like a 4 year old in woolies. I tried chasing the old owner to find who did the clutch previously because apparently it was a dodgy job, with shaved bolts and loose nutz. I have no luck.

...............Well my story shall continue tomorrow.

Why does owning a Skyline have to be a Love AND Hate relationship? Maybe my cheque book isnt big enough for this yet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok its the day after tomorrow.

Firstly I would like to thank Dan (3lit3 32) on his efforts for this machine. Even though Dan could not make it to do my clutch, his team mates at his workshop did a fabulous job of it and took great care with my car. Dan also took the time to introduce me to the suspension shop next door for other issues on my car. (I'm not sure if I can say which one it is, so I'll leave that for Dan)

The final cost of the clutch + fitting was between the mark mentioned below in Dan's post. I was happy to pay that all because:

1. I have a kick as* clutch and I attained it at a really good price.

2. The level of service and workmanship was high class.

As some of you may already know, there are only a handful of shops out there that will take the time to explain to you the isssues faced by them, and also charge you the right price for the work.

Overall I am very happy with the new clutch and workmanship. I highly recommend Dan/Team of their work. In future I know where I will be taking my business to.

The Epic Journey comes to a happy ending.....

Till another bit breaks on the car, it is goodbye for now.

-Arbess

Edited January 25, 2007 by arbess

[Konrad]

its been said many times but yeah they're not cheap cars... alot of gtr's especially end up costing a fortune to a new owner

[Crimpage]

That sucks mate. Especially saving up to get a new one, just for it to cost more than anticipated...

[Col-GTSX]

Skyline = Money Pit

GTS-T = Deeper Money Pit

GTR = Deepest Money Pit

Oh but they are like women, they cost heaps of money for a little enjoyment...

[Noy]

the joys of pre-loved or not so loved cars... tuff break..

i was excited when i got my new clutch put in too, so excited i stalled it 3 times getting home LMAO..

[dangerous_daveo]

Look on the bright side, at least you werent in a middle of an R33 gearbox conversion to find out the clutch was dead, then to find out the flywheel also needed replacing.

Theres always someone worse off than you dude Keep that in mind, it might make you feel better

[shanef]

think of it this way...atleast ur not the one putting it in! think of the guys who have to stuff around with it

[R33S2]

I would like to know why it cost 180 bux to remove this bolt.

[shanef]

I would like to know why it cost 180 bux to remove this bolt.

or why they needed to get someone special in, some easyouts prolly woulda got it

[WazR32GTSt]

I would like to know why it cost 180 bux to remove this bolt.

bacuase they can?

really... they know you aren't going to get your car towed to a new mechanic

[R33S2]

So Alex who is this workshop? At my calcs thats 3 hrs work for normal worshop time but as Wazza points out you really dont have much choice I know.

[markimak]

how u doin arbess.?

its mark. hows the GTR now.?

which workshop u going to?

and since when did ur clutch start slipping it was fine when i drove it..? uve been launching hard bro?

[WogsRus]

ahhh, the sweet sound of winging form another skyline owner. LOL. JUST LIKE ME.

All cars are a money pit, BUT skylines, they take you to the cleners and then some. That is why i do 90% of the work myself.

[Spook's_Skyline]

thats it folks

if you dont want to spend money on a car, dont buy a skyline!

that said, i love it when you do pay cash, and get a job done right

fark it, i even get a chubby for my car post servicing

just feels so sexay and working

[The Dan]

I can answer most of your questions so here goes.

I only got back to work today but was supposed to be doing it on Tuesday for Arbess.

The flywheel bolts had been shaved shorter for some reason and had burred the threads on the way in. This makes for difficulty when removing as the bolt then tears itself a new arsehole on the way out.

Step one: Drill 14mm high tensile bolt

Step two: Break 4 eazy outs.

Yes that's right, They used both sets of my eazy outs while I was away and now have to spend $60 to replace them. The company who comes out to remove the bolt is called Threadtech. If anyone has actually used these guys before they will know that there is a $70 or $80 call out fee to start with. Then there's the cost of the recoil to repair the damaged thread, the cost to pay the guy for the time required to remove the broken bolt. Then there's the cost to replace the flywheel bolts with brand new genuine items.

The clutch is a exedy heavy duty cushioned 5 button which retails for around $620-$650. Arbess paid $350. Then for the labour and all other work required.....(including repairing the exhaust which had broken studs at the centre flange) it cost $500 and something. Not sure of the exact final amount.

So about $850-$900 total.

[shanef]

fark dan what a task! did they have loctite on them? that woulda been the icing on the cake!

least the right man is handling the job

[R33S2]

Yes that would explain it, sounds like he got off cheap, damn those burred threads no wonder they broke all your ezyouts.

[Bunta]

Clutches are fun

*counts how many different clutches his car has had in the last 6 months*

[arbess]

OOMFG, THE FINAL CHAPTER IS WRITTEN IN GREEN. First post.

how u doin arbess.?

its mark. hows the GTR now.?

which workshop u going to?

and since when did ur clutch start slipping it was fine when i drove it..? uve been launching hard bro?

I'm going alright. The GTR is alright too. Contact Dan about the workshop I went to. My clutch has been slipping for a few months now. Yes I have been mashing it hard around the city. Launch, whats that? =)

Sold your GTR yet?

I can answer most of your questions so here goes.

I only got back to work today but was supposed to be doing it on Tuesday for Arbess.

The flywheel bolts had been shaved shorter for some reason and had burred the threads on the way in. This makes for difficulty when removing as the bolt then tears itself a new arsehole on the way out.

Step one: Drill 14mm high tensile bolt

Step two: Break 4 eazy outs.

Yes that's right, They used both sets of my eazy outs while I was away and now have to spend $60 to replace them. The company who comes out to remove the bolt is called Threadtech. If anyone has actually used these guys before they will know that there is a $70 or $80 call out fee to start with. Then there's the cost of the recoil to repair the damaged thread, the cost to pay the guy for the time required to remove the broken bolt. Then there's the cost to replace the flywheel bolts with brand new genuine items.

The clutch is a exedy heavy duty cushioned 5 button which retails for around $620-$650. Arbess paid $350. Then for the labour and all other work required.....(including repairing the exhaust which had broken studs at the centre flange) it cost $500 and something. Not sure of the exact final amount.

So about $850-$900 total.

Thanks for clarifying.

[MagicMikeZ32]

I am going thru new clutch in my 300 for the 2nd time in 15months... 1st time I knew nothing about them, just paid the workshop $1100 for a 'HD' clutch installed (turns out to be a modified standard clutch) including flywheel machine and another similar bolt story to this

This time around (still know not much about clutches) I went in a bit better preparred. Not wanting to have to do this again in another 12 months, I opted for 9puck cushion button. Cost me $700, less $200 more upon exchange (send clapped out clutch back to them after it comes out). And another $250 for the install to be done next week now (planned for 2moro but dammit it's a holiday!!!)

Stupid clutches