65 vette - bellhousing/transmission?

[brumbach]

As money becomes available, I'm slowly replacing various pieces of my vette to return it to "near" original condition. Not interested in a show car, just a correct and good lookin driver. Looks good now but a few things must go to be correct. I've bought a correct bare block...she's on the stand painted and awaiting other parts to be complete. The bellhousing turned out to be correct thanks to your input. The 4-speed tranny is wrong so I'll be searching for a replacement in the near future. Here's my new question. I've got a Super T-10, Aluminum case transmission MLT7802 1304065903. The bellhousing number is 3858403. On the driver's side of the bellhousing, there is a shaft with what appears to be a ball joint. Nothing is attached to it. What is this for? I'm sure something is missing or is incorrectly assembled. Thanks -- Bill

P.S. The car is fully operational and runs great. So why fix it if it ain't broke? Can't help myself. It's a hobby that I thoroughly enjoy.

 

[magoo]

Hi Bill,
Sounds like the bar and ball on the side of your bell housing is the socket where the clutch linkage bell crank or ( z- bar some call it) plugs in. You can see it in your car if the car is running now. The bell crank reverses the direction of the force being applied by pushing in the clutch. You should be able to remove it with 2 bolts. You'll need it on your replacement bell housing. Sounds like you already have a great car. Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[brumbach]

Thanks Mike. Is the z-bar setup peculiar to the type of transmission? Obviously the bar/ball on the bellhousing is not needed at the present since the clutch & tranny operate fine.

I probably need to invest in a shop manual to better understand the correct assembly.

Hi Bill,
Sounds like the bar and ball on the side of your bell housing is the socket where the clutch linkage bell crank or ( z- bar some call it) plugs in. You can see it in your car if the car is running now. The bell crank reverses the direction of the force being applied by pushing in the clutch. You should be able to remove it with 2 bolts. You'll need it on your replacement bell housing. Sounds like you already have a great car. Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[magoo]

If you have a clutch you must have the z bar unless someone converted your car to a hydraulic clutch. Perhaps a picture would help if you can get one.

Mike

 

[brumbach]

Camera is not available right now. What I believe you are calling the z-bar is attached to the block forward of the oil filter and just under the driver's side exhaust manifold. The block is 1968 not 1965. The new, correct block is still on the stand awaiting parts to finish. Does this help? I'll try and get photos this evening when my oldest son returns from work.

If you have a clutch you must have the z bar unless someone converted your car to a hydraulic clutch. Perhaps a picture would help if you can get one.

Mike

 

[JohnZ]

All 403's have a boss with a threaded hole on the driver's side; it's for a Z-bar ball stud for a different car line application - Corvettes didn't use it, as the Corvette Z-bar ball stud screws into the block. Just unscrew the stud in the side of the bellhousing and add it to your parts collection.

 

[brumbach]

John, you always come to the rescue. Thanks a bunch. Please review my posting on the transmission noise. Would appreciate your take on the problem. Bill

All 403's have a boss with a threaded hole on the driver's side; it's for a Z-bar ball stud for a different car line application - Corvettes didn't use it, as the Corvette Z-bar ball stud screws into the block. Just unscrew the stud in the side of the bellhousing and add it to your parts collection.

 

[magoo]

I was hoping John would see your thread and come to the rescue. He did.
Some day post some pics of the 65. Sounds like a nice car.
Save the wave.

Mike

 

[brumbach]

It is nice but needs tlc as any 40 year old would. I'll post a picture soon. Thanks for responding to my layman questions. Bill

I was hoping John would see your thread and come to the rescue. He did.
Some day post some pics of the 65. Sounds like a nice car.
Save the wave.

Mike