I'm currently in the final stages of an automatic to manual (M20) transmission conversion and have run into a problem. I have the ground up conversion kit and have so far been unable to mount the z-bar pivot ball bracket mount (the bracket with the bend in it that bolts to the frame for mounting one of the pivot studs). My problem is that I just can't see where on the frame to mount it. I have read that there should be holes in the frame already that would just need to be tapped, but I haven't seen anything. I was hoping someone could either give me a good description of where the bracket mounts, or better yet, email me a picture of your engine compartment clearly showing the mounted z-bar and bracket (if you have a 4-speed). I have looked at several chevelle service manuals and searched the internet with no luck, so hopefully someone can help me out here. Thanks in advance! If you can, send emails to sac427@hotmail.com.

Thanks again!

Brad

you've got mail!

It located on the top of the frame, just as it starts to go down and follow the body to the back. It might be filled with road gunk, maybe shoot some cleaner down in the area and see if you can see it then. Their should be two threaded holes that the frame bracket mounts to.

Brad,
The above info is good. The 68-later frames got these two holes on the top side of the frame, regardless of whether they came from the factory with auto or 4sp. Since the car came with an auto tranny, these two holes will NOT be threaded. Thus, you have to put plenty of downward pressure on the bolts while you turn the wrench. Once the threads begin to grip, then the bolts will finish threading themselves. They will be hard to turn at first until the threads are completely cut into the frame holes. If you are doing this with the motor in the car, it is rather awkward gaining access to get the bolts started. It is MUCH easier to do if the engine is out.
Also, did you get the two self threading bolts with the kit? If not, the two correct bolts that you need are the ones that attach the auto tranny shifter shaft bracket to the SIDE of the frame. Use them.

Thanks a lot, I found a picture of the frame without the body on it on someone's website that is restoring a 72, showed exactly where the bracket mounts. Tom, I am doing the conversion with the motor out of the car, so I expect I will be able to access these holes easily now that I know where they are. Thanks for the tip on using the auto shifter shaft bolts, as the kit did not include any. Thanks again guys, I posted on 3 other forums and this one forum yielded the best replys. Thanks again!

Brad

If your car has manual drum brakes the holes WILL be there, and they WILL be tapped, as the brake distribution (proportioning?) valve will be mounted there.