questionable clutch Z-bar

b9folk_old · February 15, 2007 at 12:58 PM

All I know about the clutch Z bars is what is shown in the Hipo Book. So when I took a close look at mine (on a '65 K-kar but a C code 289 engine) I was dumfounded. The lower arm does bend closer to the engine as shown in the book photos. However, there is a triangular piece welded between that arm and the shaft, like extra bracing/webbing. This would likely interfere with the Hipo Headers when they are installed. The upper arm that goes to the pedal rod is not just a flat piece, but more like an "I-beam". It looks like the correct shape but with added strips of metal on the "front" and "back" edges of it. Here's my question:

Is this likely a modified bar (maybe reinforced for racing) or was there another Ford unit like this used on a Fairlane or some other application? I can post pics if it would help. If it is from another application, that might help solve where my engine came from.

Lyle

C6ZZKGT · February 15, 2007 at 6:15 PM Official Post

Lyle,

From your description, these are typical modifications to strenghten the Z bar when using a stiffer than stock clutch. With some work the extra metal can be removed to make it appear stock again. I have had a couple of these beefed up ones like that before. A friend of mine bought a 66 Hipo coupe new and raced it at the drags exclusively for years. He beefed up his Z bar for the same reason of a stiff clutch. The clutch was so stiff that when he pushed it down you could watch the firewall flex if you watched from under the hood.

-Fred-

b9folk_old · February 16, 2007 at 1:15 PM

That makes a lot of sense. When I went out to take a photo last night, I could see that it was added on, not factory. They did try to match the curves, though. I'll probably only remove as much as needed to clear the headers. (The reddish color of Zbar and steering is just primer overspray dust, not rust.) Thanks Fred - I hear you're a stand-up guy.

[Blocked Image: http://hometown.aol.com/misterend/images/zbar.jpg]

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