This can't be right! Z bar alignment

I had the same looking deal happen to my car. Z-bar was at a angle and the clutch peddle would go down and engage but would not return back up when I took my foot off of it. I found that the welds on that plate in the fender had come loos and was cosing the Z-bar to flex. I welded the plate back on and ajusted the clutch and all was well.

I don't know if that is wour problum or not but mabby with out that plate in there. The inner fender is not strong enouf to handel the Z-bar?
I would try getting the plate on there and seeing what hapens from there.
Good luck.