Hi Walt, Did your bellhousing have a lever or the swivel style crank for the throw out bearing? Also, I believe the bellcrank was different in 1966? Not sure. Also, with the kit, the z bar mounts to a threaded ball screwed into the side of the engine between the starter and the bellhousing . I don't think the '65 401 has a threaded hole in that spot. I'm stuck at this point because the whole linkage assemble from '65 is rare as hen's teeth.
I "GS'd" my 64 Skylark and used a hydraulic bearing because I was unable to find all the Z bar components. If you have questions, let me know.
The 65-66 GS setup is unique. I'll just post some pics, it's easier than than to explain everything! Here's the bellhousing: It has a fork on that engages the throwout bearing: There isn't a ball stud on the engine. Instead Buick welded a tube to the frame for the z-bar. It looks like this: With the z-bar in place it looks like this: Note the bracket in the lower left, it's bolted to the frame. There another sort of z-bar that goes from it to the bellhousing: EDIT: The 'yokes' on that lower z-bar linkage rod aren't the originals. These are replacements from McMaster Carr. Finally, here's a page from the parts book showing the parts:
Hi Walt, Yes, they are unique. I have that page, just don't have the parts. Feel free to send those parts that are pictured (slightly kidding, of course). When I purchased the convertible the original engine and transmission had been removed and all crated up. The owner at that time saved them and installed a late model Olds engine and auto transmission. At the point now where the original engine and T-10 are going back in, but, don't have all the original linkage. Who knows what happened to those parts. Appreciate the help.
Rebuild kit? There isn't one that I'm aware of. Some individual parts are avail, such as the boots and upper clutch rod bushing.
The rebuild kit you are referring to from the parts place ? That is for the SBB set up 64-67. So that will not work with the 66 set up. I have both the 66 401 4 speed and I am currently working on a 65 300 parts collection ( totally different z bar setup ). I believe you stated in parts wanted you had a bellhousing but if you do not Wheelz has one listed and I also know of one for sale in Auburn NY if you do need one. I believe I have the transition piece that welds to the frame you will need and it should be fairly simple to make up the flat metal piece and the 2 u shaped pieces with the threaded rod that go to the Z bar for the clutch adjustment. The bracket that bolts to the frame will be the elusive piece and the Z bar of course. But I have seen the Z bar posted here before. When I come to see you I will bring the frame mount. Michael
Hi Michael, Thanks for the info. I have the bellhousing but wasn't sure If I had the other parts. I was going through the parts in storage yesterday and found all the linkage parts that I needed plus a few. Pretty lucky, I guess. Now need to find a source for the bushings and all.
I had the local machine shop work on the bellhousing- cleaned it, made a couple new shafts, pressed in bronze bushings. Glad you found the parts!