L6 Clutch Linkage

[Alex V.]

I'm going to swap a 250-6 into my '67 'Burb in the next few weeks - I think I have everything under control except the bell crank. Did the I-6 and V-8 use the same bell crank? If that's the case I assume all I need that I don't already have with the V-8 is the bracket that bolts to the side of the 6 cyl. block, yes?

['68OrangeSunshine]

No. The L6 and V8 use different bellcranks [or "Z-Bar" in Chevy slang.]
On the L6s there is a bracket that holds the engine-side stud; with the V8s, the ball stud screws into the block itself. As a result, the V8 Z-Bar is longer in width. [Unless I have that backwards]
Also, there are different upper clutch rods. The L6 rod is more straight, the V8 rod has a deliberate 45* dogleg to it.

[jhama78]

If need be I can snap some pics of the one in my 67 for ya. I should be out in the garage a night or two later this week. And if you need some dimensions I can get them for you as well.

[Alex V.]

I see. Jhama78, that'd be great if you don't mind. The L6 is coming out of a '74 K10 w/TH350, so nothing's there to go off of. LMC doesn't sell the engine-side bracket or bell crank, either!

['68OrangeSunshine]

I think that's a former ''Dealer Part" so now its a junkyard item. I can't think of any vendors who stock engine side ballstud mounts.

[scott-wisc]

Here's what you need.

[Alex V.]

It would've been nice to be able to order it, but sourcing parts is part of the fun of these old beasts. Thanks, scott-wisc - now I'm acquiring a visual of what's supposed to go there.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Hey Alex:
I was just looking at an old catalog from the Truck Shop in Orange, Calif.
www.truckandcarshop.com
They list an L6 Clutch Bell Crank (Z-Bar), p/n: 67-12909 $65.00 [very old catalog though]

[Alex V.]

It's still in their catalog. Thanks! That place looks like it's got a lot of stuff most other suppliers don't.

['68OrangeSunshine]

And it's still the same price. The Truck Shop is a little off the beaten path, but they have some of the more obscure parts. I had never heard of then til I saw their booth at a post-Thanksgiving car show at Daytona.

[motorcritter]

Turkey Rod Run- a great place to find just about anything.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Yeah. That was the event. And it must have been about 11 -12 years ago, too. I met Leo Santucci the L6 Dragster Ace [and author of THE Super Six build book] at an Inliners International gathering in the infield.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Alex: Here's a thought -- if you can't find an engine-side pivot ball and bracket at the junkers.... Get the V8 [4x4] pivot ball stud -- the one that screws into the block on a V8 -- and build up a stand-off bracket out of 1/4" strap iron, drill and tap it for the threads on the V8 stud and screw it into that. Back the assembly up with an other lock nut inside, and you're in business.