[61-63]

I have a Fabcraft rear bar I installed on my '63 Catalina. I've removed it and will sell it. The vertical rods went missing but could be replaced with threaded rod.

[mgarblik]

I appreciate the offer very much. If I can find one that fits for sure, I really like the way the bars fit on the lower control arms. I know that's not proper for these cars as far as factory installation. But attaching to the control arms eliminates all the fitment issues of being really close to the shocks and the exhaust system. I have a complete 2 1/2'" exhaust system and it is all welded. So I don't want to mess with sway bar interference. Still thinking about it. Thanks again. Have you ever done anything with a front bar, other than the tiny 7/8" stock one?

[61-63]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I appreciate the offer very much. If I can find one that fits for sure, I really like the way the bars fit on the lower control arms. I know that's not proper for these cars as far as factory installation. But attaching to the control arms eliminates all the fitment issues of being really close to the shocks and the exhaust system. I have a complete 2 1/2'" exhaust system and it is all welded. So I don't want to mess with sway bar interference. Still thinking about it. Thanks again. Have you ever done anything with a front bar, other than the tiny 7/8" stock one?

No never messed with the front bar.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

...If I can find one that fits for sure, I really like the way the bars fit on the lower control arms...

The bar that bolts up solidly to the lower control arms will bind up the suspension. The one 61-63 is offering is a good solution if it clears.

[misterp266]

Originally Posted by 61-63

I have a Fabcraft rear bar I installed on my '63 Catalina. I've removed it and will sell it. The vertical rods went missing but could be replaced with threaded rod.

If Mike passes on your bar, I’m interested, LMK. Thanks

Mike, I installed the Addco bar on the front of my ‘63 and it fits very tightly inside the crossmember. Not sure a bigger bar would fit. I put one on my ‘66, (1 1/8”) with no rear bar and it made a huge difference just with normal cornering and off-ramps. Unless you plan to race Eric’s T/A around the track, I think you’ll be happy.

[mgarblik]

I forgot the front bar fits within the front crossmember. Haven't had my car on the rack in 6 months. So to clarify, you replaced the stock PMD front 7/8" sway bar with an Addco 7/8" sway bar and it made a noticeable improvement? Better material and more initial twist in the bar I guess? Do I have that correct? The Addco bar is pretty expensive and I don't want to buy one if it' s not going to do anything. My OE bar is not broken or anything. It has new bushings and ends.

[misterp266]

My factory 1963 front bar is 13/16”. The Addco 199 bar that I replaced it with is 1 1/8”. I just measured both to confirm. I have not driven the ‘63 as it’s still being built. I was commenting on my 1966 Catalina that I put an Addco 857 bar that is also 1 1/8”. That made a big difference even without adding a rear bar although I’m sure that would be better.
I did see the 199 bar described as 7/8” in a few ads but unless they’ve changed it, that’s incorrect. Mine is 1 1/8” and fits very tight.

Hope that helps you!

Here’s a link…..https://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/ADD199.htm

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by misterp266

My factory 1963 front bar is 13/16”. The Addco 199 bar that I replaced it with is 1 1/8”. I just measured both to confirm. I have not driven the ‘63 as it’s still being built. I was commenting on my 1966 Catalina that I put an Addco 857 bar that is also 1 1/8”. That made a big difference even without adding a rear bar although I’m sure that would be better.
I did see the 199 bar described as 7/8” in a few ads but unless they’ve changed it, that’s incorrect. Mine is 1 1/8” and fits very tight.

Hope that helps you!

Here’s a link…..https://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/ADD199.htm

That is great information. I can see a 1 1/8" bar being a huge improvement over a 13/16" bar or 7/8" bar. Absolutely. If it fit a 63 it should fit a 62. These parts seem to all be listed to fit 61-64. As for the rear, I can see possible binding with the lower arm mounted bar. But why would it bind on car and work fine on so many other models? Possibly the greater travel on the rear suspension of the 61-64 cars?