Thanks for suggestions. Correct observation in Z-bar in my car is not an OEM piece. It was fab'd many years back. I'd prefer not to change it out of re-do clutch linkage, so I think the option I'm going to take is to go back to stock style starter. planning to swap out tomorrow.
My skills with welder are at novice level. Most jobs end up looking like aftermath of StarWars battle scene.
Again thanks for advice and suggestions. Will update when swap to stock is complete.