67 Z-bar operating rods right vs. left

[ZZZbob]

I am rebushing my Z-bar setup and was doing my homework with the service manuals and here on Samba. In reviewing many of the postings here, I've noticed that everyone describes the Left operating rod being the long rod. That's how I found mine before removing them. Oddly, both the Service Manual published by Bentley Publishing (page 71 of the Transmission and Rear Axle section) and the manual published by Haynes (Section 10-14 step 15) say the long rod should be on the right side. Are those know publishing errors? Or could the sides have been accidentally reversed over the years and prior rebushings?

[scrivyscriv]

I knew I'd have questions later when I pulled my suspension apart, so I took a pic of it as removed from the vehicle. Left is left

Not sure if that helps any, but that's all I've got.
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Robert in Memphis
Dünkelgrügen 1967 Java Green bug thread
Engine rebuild thread
If you're ever in the Memphis area, you are welcome to stop by for advice and help.

[ZZZbob]

Thanks! So your setup was consistent with the manuals and the long rod was on the passenger side... interesting. Doing more research I found a Samba thread with a link to a parts house that listed new rods where the long rod is identified as being for the left side.

[scrivyscriv]

Parts retailers in our hobby are notoriously inaccurate and/or misleading, although not generally with devious intent. The best reference would be a fiche showing original part number and location. Check out the stickies topic in this forum for the Obsolete Air Cooled Documentation Project link. It’s an invaluable resource for questions like these!
_________________
Robert in Memphis
Dünkelgrügen 1967 Java Green bug thread
Engine rebuild thread
If you're ever in the Memphis area, you are welcome to stop by for advice and help.

[ZZZbob]

I couldn't find anything in the old tech files. And I totally understand what you are saying about well-intended suppliers and contributors. I tend to think your setup and the manuals are correct.

As I recall, the passenger actuator lever points forward ahead of the axle, and the seat for the rod is behind the axle. On the driver's side, I think both the actuator lever and the seat are behind the axle. Therefore the distance on the right *should* be longer than the left. If true, the longer rod on the passenger side would then minimize the play in the Z-bar engagement. That logically makes sense. I'll measure when I reinstall my rods with the new bushings I just got.

[aquifer]

[viiking]

Bentley is very clear on the orientation.

Page 71.

Point 5.

"Install operating rods. The long operating rod is installed on the right side."

I have several disassembly photos of the Z bar, but not one easily distinguishing the length differences. I am confident that it has never been out. The car is original in the family.

Now, my car is a Feb 68 RHD Euro beetle but I do not think it changed between 67-68.

I wonder therefore, what difference the Z bar made when the rear seat was loaded with passengers but only one driver at the front. Did the LH and RH driver weight make any appreciable difference to the Z bar's operation given it's operation as an "overload spring" or was the weight of the driver more compensated for by the front rather than the rear suspension?

Probably not.
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3