Clutch / Torque Converter: Clutch

[scoutergord]

Changing the clutch on my 58 Hawk6.someone messed up previous install flywheel is suspect.Spare flywheel is drilled for 8 1/2 HD? Clutch Original was 8 in Have pressure plates for both can I drill and tap to install smaller clutch?or can I change over to the HD clutch? Will bell housing and linkages interchange?Thanks

[ChampionRuss]

Changing the clutch on my 58 Hawk6.someone messed up previous install flywheel is suspect.Spare flywheel is drilled for 8 1/2 HD? Clutch Original was 8 in Have pressure plates for both can I drill and tap to install smaller clutch?or can I change over to the HD clutch? Will bell housing and linkages interchange?Thanks

Believe 170 flat heads used 8 inch. 185 and OHV 170 used 8-1/2 inch.

[Jeffry Cassel]

never seen a 58 Hawk 6 cyl. Is it an export? rare bird.

[StudeRich]

never seen a 58 Hawk 6 cyl. Is it an export? rare bird.

I believe that '57 to '59 Silver Hawks were built for the U.S. Market in both 6 Cyl. and V8, of COURSE not a big seller.

On '59 6 Cyl Hawks and maybe the others, the Wheelhouse MOULDINGS were left off.

[Blue 15G]

When I bought my '54 Champion in 1996 it needed the clutch replaced. Original equipment was the 8 inch clutch, but the aftermarket one I put in (Borg Warner rebuilt) was 8-1/2. B-W specified in their catalog at the time to use the 8-1/2. It fit and worked fine with no modifications to the flywheel or anything else. Not sure if this pertains to your '58, but just thought I'd mention it.
EDIT: I just noticed that your original post is from August, 2019 so hopefully you resolved this by now!