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1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
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Author:  Aaron65 [ Sat May 02, 2026 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Hey everyone,

I had an adventure getting home when the Z-Bar in my '65 Dart wagon (225 with an A-903) ripped so I could no longer operate the clutch. After completely missing it (it was on the back side in the shadow and didn't seem to be flexing at all when I was snooping around, oops) and replacing my clutch and pressure plate instead (don't ask), I hammered my old one back into position and welded it up for now. I'm not happy with it though, so I'd like to get a spare that still cylindrical (mine is ALMOST cylindrical, but the tear was parallel to the length of the tube).

Anyway, if anyone has a good spare that hasn't been completely manhandled, or any suggestions of something else I could try, I'd appreciate it. (Oh, regarding the clutch...I'm not TOO mad at myself; the throwout bearing was getting pretty noisy anyway). :)

Thanks!
Aaron

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Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Sat May 02, 2026 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Almost all of the Pre-1967 bars will have that same shear failure The Tube diameter was made thicker after 1967?

All of my (stick) A and F body cars have had this same failure.

I am not sure if brewers has the correct one for your car.
I buy them at swap meets and slice and dice them to fit my cars.


I can Repair and reinforce them as well.
I have done this on the thinwall tube for my '62 wagon.

The link above does not show my upgrade for the '62 valiant, but I wrap and reinforce the thin tube at the failure point and then re weld the arm on.


Best of Luck,

Greg

Good luck, Greg
Author:  Aaron65 [ Sat May 02, 2026 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Thanks Greg. What do you use to wrap your thinwall tubes with?

Of course, it might be worth shopping for a later unit and cutting it apart like you did.
Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Sat May 02, 2026 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Quote:
Thanks Greg. What do you use to wrap your thinwall tubes with?

Of course, it might be worth shopping for a later unit and cutting it apart like you did.
More tube from the scrap bin.
Author:  Aaron65 [ Sat May 23, 2026 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Brewer's had a nice 7.6" tube for $45 shipped that is far thicker than the original. I used the old one as a template, cut the arms off, and rewelded them using my old flux core MIG welder (the welds are ugly, but I saw signs of heat on the inside of the tube).

Unfortunately, my new LUX pressure plate seems to be making a springy, popping noise, so I may just throw in the old pressure plate when I feel like taking a day to do the same job twice.

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Author:  nkeehaul [ Mon Jul 06, 2026 6:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1965 Z-Bar (or something that will work)
Hey
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