Replacing clutch push rod bushing-need help

[Stephen R.]

This is a 59 4 speed. I'm in the process of trying to replace the clutch push rod bushing that is pressed in to the vertical arm of the Z bar or torque arm for the clutch fork.

I compared the old bushing and the new one (from Corvette central) and they appear to be the same. My questions are:

1. The bushing seat appears to be about 3/8 inch wide yet the arm that it's pressed into is about 1/4 inch wide. If you seat the bushing all the way in, it protrudes through the arm by about 1/8 inch, which is enough to prevent the threaded end of the pivot bolt from aligning with the push rod. Does the bushing get pushed in all the way? The one I removed was not seated all the way, but I assumed that that was because bubba couldn't get it to seat properly.

2. Is the bushing pressed in from the engine side (flange on engine side ) or from the fender side (flange between the push rod and vertical arm)?

3. When I tried to insert the pivot bolt into the bushing, it wouldn't slide in, I had to sand down the inside of the bushing to get the bolt to slide through. Is this normal?

4. Also trying to press the bushing into the vertical arm was impossible, any suggestions? Should the "Z" arm be removed and the bushing pressed in or can you do it with that part still in the car?

5. Any body have a picture of how all of these parts are assembled? I think it's: (from engine side to fender side) pivot bolt, washer, flange/bushing, vertical arm, another washer, push rod, lock nut. I have the aim but it's not clear at all.

Thanks for any and all of your help.
Steve

[John H.]

Re: Replacing clutch push rod bushing-need help

4. Also trying to press the bushing into the vertical arm was impossible, any suggestions? Should the "Z" arm be removed and the bushing pressed in or can you do it with that part still in the car?

Steve -

You can do it in the car. Use a long bolt through two appropriately-sized sockets, flat washers, and a nut, and tightening the nut/bolt will press the bushing into the hole in the lever. There's an article in an old "Restorer" that shows how to do it if you have the CD.