Is the pressure plate supposed to be tightened down til it touches the flywheel? I have the torque specs but I have a giant torque wrench that I don't trust below 20 ft lbs.

This is on a stock 71 with stock clutch

The bolts should be torqued to 17 1/2 to 19ft/lbs... and yes, they clutch pressure plate better be bottomed against the flywheel or you're going to have a vibration and a clutch that isn't going to last long.. make sure the pressure plate doesn't hang up on the dowel pins or any rust around the bottom of the dowel pins or you will deform the pressure plate housing.

Cool, I just assumed yes and torqued them down to 16 ftlbs. Engine and tranny are now back in the car! Just a few more weeks......Thank you