SAAC Forum

You do need to determine if the Z bar is twisted or not before you go and buy parts. If not the Z bar look at pedal support bracket for oblong or destroyed pivot (where pedal is secured) as has been mentioned . The clutch fork can also be a source if the rod has worn a hole into the fork allowing it to dig into the fork metal as has been mentioned . If all of those things are OK and intact it is time for a new or rebuilt clutch and pressure plate.Your go to Mustang restoration shop should be of help determine which course of action to take if all of this is over your head.   

Quote from: deathsled on April 22, 2024, 03:53:20 PMThank you gentlemen.  I am overwhelmed with the great response.  Since 843 is a day two car I am going to go for upgrades.  The required work and replacement is over my head.  If I tried it I would screw it up somehow.  Cobra Automotive will charge to the rescue with their parts.  I have used them in the past and love the whole outfit.  I still dwell on those Trans Am lug nuts they sold me.  They look so choice on the Torqs.  I suppose when the term "twist" is used in reference to the Z bar it isn't some shifting of where it might be bolted to but an actual bending or distortion of the metal in the bar.  My best option is to get the Cobra Automotive parts and bring the car over to East Dundee's Mustang Restorations.  I will likely take the hit on labor but better that than trying a little science experiment in my garage.    The car was originally an automatic.  I cannot state where they pedal assembly came from.  Thank you all for your helpful input.

Cobra Automotive has many great products but I didn't see anything special about the Cobra Automotive Z bar online except the high price. I think your best and also most economical bet is to buy the inexpensive 65 66 Z bar and (take top pivot part off for 66) and have your Mustang Restoration shop weld some metal gussets on it like what was done in the previous picture of a modified bar. At least that is what I and others have done for many decades with positive results.Of course this is a typical day 2 mod . The concours crowd just replaces the bent original type Z bar with another unmodified Z bar every so often as needed .   

Thank you!

Here is a good example. - http://1965gt350mustang.com/litmem/lm12.html

"Not all 1965 GT350's had owners packets. If you received one with your car, this is what was included: Detroit Locker GT350 booklet, GT350 owners manual, Koni shocks information sheet, how to care for plexiglas sheet (not sure why this was in the 1965 packet - I have seen these in the 1966 GT350 packet to care for the quarter windows), 1965 Mustang owners manual, and a 1965 High Performance Equipment manual."

For the record: not a shop that I own and operate but rather one that I use to service my cars and inspect those for sale/at auction.   

In the attached image are two Z-bars. The one on the left is a HiPo and the one on the right is a LoPo.  Both have been reinforced. The LoPo was still bending under load.

One more thing to check is the bracket that the pedals hang from up under the dash. I had this exact thing happen and it was gradual over time until I could not get the car in gear. The bushing in the bracket had worn out and every time I pushed in the clutch, it elongated the circular hole in the bracket more and more. It will be the bushing on the side of the bracket closest to the e-brake handle.
Jeff

My shop picked up on the frame, floors and torque.  Looks like someone had fun with a trowel and a 6 rack of Bud.  The plate and exhaust are next on their list.  Stay tuned for answers/insight from the seller-or not.

OK, what would have been in the glove box of a newly delivered '65 GT350 from the dealer? Thanks.

Sorry I was distracted by the spackle on the bottom of the car

Dont look like holes to me?

Pretty sure those arent on my Feb built 1969