Z-Bar Linkage Seals

[cwmcobra]

Any experience with availability of seals for the clutch actuation linkage?  Figure 4-1 -- Clutch Outer Controls in the 65 GS manual.  There's apparently a seal on the Ball Stud at the end of the Clutch Release Shaft, for one.  Then there is the Seat that mates with the smaller Ball Stud at the end of the Equalizer.  Finally, at the top end of the Lever Asm.-Outer there is a sort of bushing that appears to be part of the assembly (the hole that the clutch actuation rod goes into).

Any advice on sources of replacement parts and/or restoration will be appreciated!

Cheers!

Chuck

[gssizzler]

Chuck ,had to make them! Rubber for the release shaft, nylon for the small ball stud and a piece of hose in the insert on the lever arm.

[cwmcobra]

I was struggling to figure out how to make a new bushing for the Lever Assembly that the clutch actuation rod mounts to.  After a lot of searching, I came across a bushing assembly at The Parts Place.  Application is a for 68-72 Skylark Upper Clutch Pushrod Bushing, part number MT3670Z.  Picture below. No dimensions were given, so I just ordered one to see if I might make it work.  The good news is that it will work with slight modification.  I pressed out the metal shell of the previously installed bushing from the actuation arm and started measuring.  The new bushing presses nicely into the arm, but the cylindrical metal spacer is too long; when installed on the clutch pushrod, the hole for the clip is covered up.  The spacer is proud on both ends of the rubber bushing in the new piece, so I ground the spacer on both ends until it was flush with the rubber on both sides.  Now it fits very nicely.

So, no need to reengineer a replacement bushing.  Just buy one from The Parts Place and you're on your way.  At $14.00 I consider it a bargain!

 

Chuck

[gs spoken here]

I think this is a Corvette sway bar bushing, been discussed on V8 Buick.

[WkillGS]

Right, 1965-82 Corvette Rear Sway Bar Link Bushing, GM pn 3872955.
About $7 from a Corvette parts vendor. Might even be avail from your local GM dealer.
http://www.zip-corvette.com/65-82-rear-sway-bar-link-bushing.html
or
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oe-gm/3872955

They're over $11 shipped on eBay, so you did ok at $14.

BTW, don't try to bend the clutch pedal rod for a better fit.... it's hardened and will break. I found out the hard way!

[cwmcobra]

Great information on the Corvette connection.  I hadn't seen that before.  Looks like this is one that should be added to our Parts Sourcing list.

Thanks!

Chuck