Hi everyone:

I'm new to this forum but thought I would ask a couple of questions about my old car.

I own a 1934 Ford Coupe that was my dad's (he passed away in 2007, and I want to honor him by driving his car) and last rebuilt in 1967. I have done some updates to the car this past winter, but I do have a couple of questions.

1. The clutch is old (from 1965-1967) and I'm sure it's asbestos. I know that the transmission is sealed to the back of the engine at the bellhousing, but I am still wondering if there is any danger to myself, my family, or passers-by from driving and even hot-rodding this car a little bit. Any advice?

2. The carpet in the car is also 1967 vintage and in poor repair. I would like to remove it all, but again, I have also read that carpet backing often had asbestos in it? Any thoughts on this and how to safely remove it or if it's safe to just leave it in for now and drive it.

3. Lastly, I changed all the brake shoes this winter, and replaced them with what should be non-asbestos shoes. I am getting some new tires put on here soon. Do I need to wash the wheels and clean all that up good before going taking the wheels to the tire shop--I don't want to expose the tire tech to bad stuff.

Thanks for all of your assistance.

Nice ride you've got there.

Unfortunately I can't remember all about the old asbestos days and the best way to dispose of it.

We do have some very experienced techs and also a very experienced tranny fixer on this site but you may have to wait a little for them to get here.

Someone may even know a site that specialises in classic/collector Fords.

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The trouble with doing nothing is not knowing when you're finished.

Correct. Breathing asbestos fiber is the danger. And that is compounded if you smoke, which I hope you do not. Always wet anything down with soapy water that you think may contain asbestos before handling it. Asbestos fibers bound in plastic or rubber is usually safe (old floor tiles, rubber carpet backing) to handle as the plastic keeps the fiber from getting into the air. If you want to remove the carpet, peel it back a ways and wet the exposed backing with a spray bottle of soapy water. Keep doing this until you have the carpet out. Put it into a plastic bag and SEAL it. As far as brake dust, spray the back of the tires with Simple Green and then hose them out well. When changing out shoes, make sure that you DON"T use compressed air to remove brake dust. Use a liquid brake cleaner and let the contaminated fluid run into old rags. Dispose of these in a SEALED bag.

A spinning clutch will no doubt release fibers into the air. Just make sure to run the car outside. Remeber, all brakes and clutches were asbestos for decades. Change it to a modern facing when you get the chance.

Also, watch out for any thick white heat tape wrapped around pipes or tubes in your engine compartment. Can almost guarantee that will be asbestos.