Z-Bar hole

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Jun 11, 2006 | 05:21 PM

79vetter

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Drifting

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From: Richardson Tx.

Z-Bar hole

I jut discovered that my new (old) 350 block does not have the hole in it for my Z-bar (4spd.) aka Clutch Cross Bar.
Will drilling out a hole be an issue? Or are there other alternatives to this?

Last edited by 79vetter; Jun 11, 2006 at 05:34 PM.

Jun 11, 2006 | 05:43 PM

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Sounds like you got an automatic block. The boss should be there, ready to be drilled and tapped.

Jun 11, 2006 | 05:44 PM

rcread

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From: Duvall, WA

It is a simple task for a machine shop to drill and tap the hole. That is the best route to go unless you want to convert to a hydraulic clutch.

Jun 11, 2006 | 05:51 PM

redvetracr

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From: WI

I bought a bracket from Scroggins Dickey...I had to have it rebent slightly and the ball stud welded in (no room behind for a nut) but other than that it works ok.
...redvetracr

Jun 12, 2006 | 02:22 AM

Z-man

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

Get yourself a tap & drill set. Here's the size you need to reuse the stock clutch pivot ball.

Drill the hole. The block is soft and drilling takes just a minute or two...

Tap it.

Screw in the pivot ball and you're done!

Jun 12, 2006 | 03:19 AM

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

I find it's much easier to use a regular tap handle than a crescent wrench.

Jun 12, 2006 | 11:24 AM

79vetter

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From: Richardson Tx.

Z-Man,
Thanks for those pixs -very helpful...
Should I leave this up to the machine shop?
You are probably better at this type of stuff than I am. A couple of questions for you:
How did you know how far to drill your hole into the block?
Did you just make the hole angle flush to the current flat surface -boss?
Your tap looks different to me- kind of skinny. I am used to seeing the ones in the T-Handle.

thanks Rob

Jun 12, 2006 | 08:13 PM

Z-man

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79vetter

I thought it was pretty easy, but it's up to you. This was my first try so I had no idea what I was doing. I used the depth of the threads on the pivot ball as a gauge. (Drill then measure, drill some more, measure again, etc.) I just drilled as perpendicular to the surface of the boss as possible. The Z-bar is pretty forgiving because the angle varies all the time (like when you rev the engine). The tap only came in that kit with a hex end, so I had to use a wrench. I don't have a full set of taps lying around, so I had to use what was available.