Clutch Linkage - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sirhollow · 09-07-2004, 04:49 PM

Hi folks. I have been reading this board for some time now and I am impressed with the quality of information presented here. I have a problem with my 1971 clutch linkage. They have many miles on them and have nearly sawed themselves in half. I have fabricated new upper and lower clutch rods and added rod ball-joints to them. My problem rests with the z-bar. The engine side pivot has worn the z-bar so much that it moves alot. Has anyone made a custom z-bar. I need some ideas.

Thanks

JimKshortstep4x4 · 09-08-2004, 07:33 AM

You could possibly sleeve your "Z" bracket or just get another one.

Jim

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 09-09-2004, 04:32 AM

A really good welder could fab a new Z-Bar, but the inside is machined to receive some nylon collar bushings the pivot balls ride on. Maybe less hassle to get a good used one from a junkyard. The L6 Z-Bar is different from the V8 one.
I like your rod ball-joint trick. I used that myself for the upper clutch rod on my '68 C/10 w/292. [Impossible to find a stock 6 Cyl upper clutch rod.] We also joggled the ears of the Z-Bar to make it clear the headers. Both on my '68 C/10 -292 and the '71 Jimmy [K/5] -350. Headers are Clifford for the 292 and Hedman for the 350.
Internal Z-Bar parts are available from the many vendors. L6 specific stuff may be available from Tom Langdon:
www.stoveboltengineco.com

Blazer1970 · 09-09-2004, 07:00 AM

It is pretty easy to add some weld to the holes with a wire welder. Then redrill or reshape with a die grinder. I did this to my entire clutch linkage (holes and pins). I also had to add a gusset to the bar that goes through the firewall because it was flexing. There is barely enough throw on this linkage to operate the clutch when it is perfect - if there is any flex the clutch will not release well.

68C15 · 09-09-2004, 07:08 AM

check with the dealer on those parts. you may be suprised on availability & price.

sdmahr · 09-09-2004, 09:31 AM

I sent a PM to you.....don't know if you saw it or not but I'm pulling my I6 and 3-speed out. You are welcome to the Z-bar, rods, etc. Give me your address and I'll send them to you. All are in excellent condition.

Scott

09-07-2004, 04:49 PM	#1
sirhollow Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Valparaiso, FL Posts: 5	Clutch Linkage Hi folks. I have been reading this board for some time now and I am impressed with the quality of information presented here. I have a problem with my 1971 clutch linkage. They have many miles on them and have nearly sawed themselves in half. I have fabricated new upper and lower clutch rods and added rod ball-joints to them. My problem rests with the z-bar. The engine side pivot has worn the z-bar so much that it moves alot. Has anyone made a custom z-bar. I need some ideas. Thanks Attached Images

09-09-2004, 04:32 AM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,358	A really good welder could fab a new Z-Bar, but the inside is machined to receive some nylon collar bushings the pivot balls ride on. Maybe less hassle to get a good used one from a junkyard. The L6 Z-Bar is different from the V8 one. I like your rod ball-joint trick. I used that myself for the upper clutch rod on my '68 C/10 w/292. [Impossible to find a stock 6 Cyl upper clutch rod.] We also joggled the ears of the Z-Bar to make it clear the headers. Both on my '68 C/10 -292 and the '71 Jimmy [K/5] -350. Headers are Clifford for the 292 and Hedman for the 350. Internal Z-Bar parts are available from the many vendors. L6 specific stuff may be available from Tom Langdon: www.stoveboltengineco.com __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

09-09-2004, 07:00 AM	#4
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	It is pretty easy to add some weld to the holes with a wire welder. Then redrill or reshape with a die grinder. I did this to my entire clutch linkage (holes and pins). I also had to add a gusset to the bar that goes through the firewall because it was flexing. There is barely enough throw on this linkage to operate the clutch when it is perfect - if there is any flex the clutch will not release well. __________________ Tim

09-09-2004, 07:08 AM	#5
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	check with the dealer on those parts. you may be suprised on availability & price. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

09-08-2004, 07:33 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	You could possibly sleeve your "Z" bracket or just get another one. Jim

09-09-2004, 09:31 AM	#6
sdmahr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Texas....the Valley Posts: 199	I sent a PM to you.....don't know if you saw it or not but I'm pulling my I6 and 3-speed out. You are welcome to the Z-bar, rods, etc. Give me your address and I'll send them to you. All are in excellent condition. Scott



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