Quote:
Originally Posted by hootsk
Elefantrider, Kanter has both 5/8" and 11/16" (and plenty of other sizes) polyurethane anti-sway bar bushings for $28.
http://tinyurl.com/polyswaybarbushings
I haven't found the end pieces yet, but that's a start.
Chuck |
As to the "rubber" part of the frame mount bushing, your local parts store will probably have something in their bushing fits which you can take out the "rubber" from and use on your car. Their price for their bushing kit will probably be cheaper than from Kanter. (I seem to recall that I once looked at a "red" polyurethane kit for a Chevrolet at Advance Auto that the bushing itself would work in the Tempest bracket.)
Also, there are thousands of the "rubber" part of these bushings for sale on E-bay for a lot cheaper price.
After a prolonged effort of scrounging up new front suspension parts for my 63, I finally went with the standard rebuild kit from Kanter for about $425. It did not have sway bar bushings in it(neither the "strap" rubber nor the frame-mount rubber). Also, the strut rod bushings are not "donut" shaped the same as originals.
As to ball joints, I seem to recall a few years ago buying some top joints straight out of a parts catalog at Advance (might have been NAPA) at a price that was a lot lower than Kanter sold them for individually.
When I was looking for stuff I talked with Kanter, PST and others and, although they didn't say so, my impression is that they all get their ball joints, etc from RARE PARTS. When I talked with RARE PARTS, they basically told me they sold wholesale and not retail. I talked with them about "rebuilding" a 63 Pitman arm and I seem to recall they needed about $300 to do one and you have to furnish a core (which they said at that time were virtually unavailable).
If you are going to keep the car, I suggest you get a Kanter/PST kit. If you are just trying to keep it going, I have a couple or so "used" ball joints which you can have for the mailing. They seem to be "tight" but need the rubber cups which you can get at parts stores.
As to tie rod ends, because of the grease fittings, they are uniquely left side and right side pieces. Accordingly, they are costly on an individual basis from Kanter, PST, etc. I believe that it is possible that you can find ends from other model cars that could be made to work on Tempests. I've seen pictures of some Ford pieces that look very similar and are priced much less than Kanter, etc.
My guess is that your "noise" is caused by worn control arm bushings which are parts that you virtually cannot get other than from Kanter, PST, etc.
Keep us posted!