Wanted 455 GS CLUTCH Z BAR

I am looking for an original 455 GS CLUTCH Z BAR. I see two different styles listed in reproductions (Olds/Buick) could someone post a picture of the correct one for the buick 455?

Thanks
Nelson

 

I have an original that I am not using but the arm that is normally bent was straightened at some point prior to me buying it. I’m sure it could be bent back and used.

Honestly though, I’d just buy the reproduction from the parts place and be done with it. That’s what I ended up doing. It worked great once I got it assembled and installed. I had to retap the grease fitting bc it was stripped when it arrived which was aggravating.

 

There seems to be two different styles but I think the first one is correct.??? The third is the same as the second but sold by the parts place.


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The last two I believe are 350 Z-bar. I purchased the first one for my 455 and it is not the same as an original 455 Z-bar. It uses the 350 ball coming off the motor. The 455's used a bigger ball than the 350's. No one reproduces the larger ball. The grease fitting was screwed up. I was disappointed with the design and the quality. If you are going to reproduce it, make it the same as the original. I ended up not using it.

 

Nelson, the first one is the correct SHAPE. I have both as well (the original one and the repro one). The first issue is the clutch pedal to Z bar rod hole is not the correct size. I didn't go further than that. Since Richie pointed out the 350/455 ball, I will have to look at that today. I will post pics when I am finished with my coffee...

 

I believe Dave Kliener reproduces all the 4-speed/clutch parts or at least used to.

 

Like others have said, the bottom 2 pictures you posted are for a small block. You can use the small block z bar too on your big block car. I tried this but the small block z bar hit my ta headers so I had to get the big block one. If I had manifolds it would of worked. Buy the big block one with the bushing on it. You can buy it as a package deal with the big block upper clutch arm from PP.

 

I have an original 455 z-bar and one of The Parts Place 455 z-bars. It is a pretty nice piece that will work correctly.
That other style is correct for 350 Buicks,but will function in a 455 car. That style is also correct for ALL 69-72 Cutlass/442.

 

Here is the Parts Place compared to an original BBB.......

 

I do carry all the parts needed or talked about here to make the 350 version work.

Otherwise, I thought Mike Garrison was reproducing the correct size (Engine) Ball Stud to work with the 455 Z-Bars . . . .?

You can see all my M. T. Parts here (including the BBB Clutch Forks that we've come up with) > https://www.stage1restoration.com/product-category/transmission_manual/

 

You can see a big difference in the ball size and where the rod attaches. George does the PP make a BB and SB Z bar the same style as the first one like you have, Or have they redid there design?
Brian, did the one you purchased from the PP have the same issues as the one George has?
Like to find an original if I can.

Thank you everybody for the help.
Nelson


I have the original clutch pedal to Z bar, ball and clutch fork.
I need the clutch adjuster also.
.

 

I picked up that Z bar with some other parts. I knew it was a repro... However, I thought it was a home made repro. It wasn't until I saw the pic you posted that I knew it was a Parts Place reproduction. As far as I know, this is the only version they have for the BBB. They make the SBB one like you posted..

 

The one that I took a screen shot and posted above that comes with the upper clutch arm from PP has the correct style bushing on the top arm where it attaches to the upper clutch arm. I’m sure you can buy it with out the upper clutch arm.

It looks like ToddsGS has the correct style lower adjuster. Everything I’ve ordered from him has been top notch and his customer service is great.

 

The Factory z bar is a different diameter than the parts place . So if you buy a Garrison pivot which is correct the FARTs place z bar will not work . If you by the FARTs place use the Cheby piviot on the block and it will work .

The Dave Zbar

 

Thanks Nick.
I have the original ball so I want to find an original Z bar if I can.

 

I use a solid steel bushing for the original,and I drilled/pressed on into TPP arm,so that corrected that difference. However,I didn’t have to make any changes to use the Buick ball stud. I may have to go back and see what I did.