(Newswire.net — March 25, 2013) Lexington, Kentucky — Ed Paske’s shop rebuilds clutches for heavy duty diesel trucks, industrial automotive, agricultural tractors-both current and classic models, heavy duty construction equipment, and classic cars. Although they do not remove or re-install parts, customers bring them in or ship them to their Thompson Road location.
Most out of town and out of state customers come to Lexington Joint and Clutch because they cannot find anyone locally that wants to deal with the complexity of the repair. Many find that the cost associated with purchasing a new clutch is quite often prohibitive. The shop also does work for collectors that are purists and want to restore their antique car, truck or tractor back to its original condition using only original equipment. Such was the case for the Paris, Kentucky Fire Department when they needed the clutch rebuilt for the restoration of their 1937 vintage fire truck.
As explained by Linda Cassity, Administrative Assistant at the Paris, Kentucky Fire Department; the pictured American LaFrance fire truck was purchased new at the manufacturing plant in Elmira, New York, in 1937, by the City of Paris, for the Paris Fire Department. Engine 1, as it was so named, was in operation in Paris until 1976. It was then only used as a backup apparatus and if needed, would be put to use. In 1976 a private individual purchased it and shipped the truck back to the Elmira plant to be completely restored by American LaFrance. Engine 1 was later put in storage in a barn in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky for approximately 6 years. With another change in ownership, the fire truck was stored at the Montgomery County Fire Department in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky for approximately 14 years.
While planning the 135th Anniversary of the Paris Fire Department, the Department learned that the owner was willing to sell the fire truck. In an effort to bring Engine 1 back home, the Department set out a fireman’s boot at the Anniversary celebration (Muster) requesting donations to buy the truck. Although, there wasn’t enough money raised that day, a private citizen stepped up and offered to buy the truck to donate to the Paris Fire Department. In an effort to complete the mechanical side of the restoration, Lexington Joint and Clutch was contacted to rebuild the clutch. Engine 1 is finally back home and on display at Firehouse 1 and at the top of the list as one of Ed and Gerry Paske’s most memorable repairs.
When asked what other unusual repairs they have done, Ed replied; “We have repaired clutches on boring machines used for mining, high performance race cars, antique cars, cranes, bulldozers, snowplows, and buses. We have also done band realigning for heavy duty cranes.”
Lexington Joint and Clutch sets the standard in mastering rebuilding techniques. When the time comes to rebuild the clutch or drive shaft on an auto, truck, agricultural piece of equipment, or you need flywheel resurfacing, or just want to “beef up” your clutch for higher performance; it’s safe to say Ed and Gerry will be able to help.
###
Lexington Joint & Clutch, Inc
(859) 254-3362
359 Thompson Road Lexington, KY 40508
www.LexingtonJointAndClutch.com