PEDAL TO Z BAR ROD

My 72 Duster 4 speed had lots of play in it on the rod from the pedal to the Z bracket. The round holes were oval from 50 years of wear. I took it out & had it welded closed on both ends then used a die grinder to open up the holes again so they just slipped over the stops on the Z bracket & pedal rod. I gained 1/2" & my pedal came back up to the brake pedal. There is slight play in it if it slides over the stops. I believe that is how it was when stock.