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: 7,504	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: 2,507	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



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.