Need help locating or fabricating a clutch pivot ball mount on the block side of the z bar. The block I provided to my engine guy was not drilled nor can it be drilled for the ball. I've seen on some other forums and parts places where a bracket can be utilized. Does anyone have pictures of one they made up for a 70 442 or similar? Is there a parts place that carries such an animal for my application? The engine has just been rebuilt so getting another block is not an option. My buddy is confident he can fabricate a bracket from 1/4 plate steel but I'd feel better if someone here has done it and proved it works. A hydraulic throw out bearing is an option but wanted to see what you guys thought.

Rick

 

What block are you using? is it a 455?? I've read that some of the later "Fa" blocks '75-'76? weren't drilled for the pivot ball stud but they should be able to be drilled & tapped.

 

Rob,
It is a 455. I'll have to get the numbers off it and see what year it is. Both the machinist and the guy who's helping me put everything back together said it can't be drilled. I think there is usually a thickened pad on the block in that area but it's not there on this one.

Rick

 

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ting-hole.html

 

Thanks Randy for that thread. I did a search but didn't come up with anything on this forum. I'll reach out to the OP and see if it all worked out. It looks like that's exactly what I need to do.

Rick

 

If the block has no provision, then the boss is entirely missing, so fabricating a bracket is the solution.

Template, welder, no problem for any competent gearhead. 1/4" should be plenty strong enough.

 

As of now that's the plan. I'll post some pics of the finished product.

Rick

 

Here's the bracket we came up with. Little blasting, priming, paint and should be good to go.

Rick

 

We built a bracket like yours but our stud from the 350 block is a little too long. Anyone have a suggestion on shorter version that would work. One for firebird on eBay looks shorter. We need to shorten ours by 1/2 inch. Cut and weld?

 

Yep, just cut the pivot down to correct size needed and plug weld from the backside.

Good luck, hope it works for you. Time will tell but mine has worked so far.