sloppy Z bar linkage.....probably pilot error

You mention a scatter shield, it is designed for the 71-down ball pivot or the 72-up? They both bolt to the bell but one correctly places the z-bar inline with the ball stud on the frame. If wrong the z-bar will be canted at an angle. This would make for some functional issues. I only mention it because my aluminum TKO bell was designed for the 72- up.
You make a good point... I have a new QuickTime scattershield, and when I hook up the linkage that is proper for ‘71 and down, it’s not quite perfectly in line... I wonder if the ‘72-up ballstud would line up better... I should call QuickTime and ask what they designed the bell to use...