Early A-Body Sway Bar Restoration

[66cuda-s]

I just completed the restoration of the sway bar for the 66 'Cuda and thought I'd share some details. As you can see, I am getting to a little bit at a time on the 'Cuda.

I removed the sway bar with the brackets. The bushing brackets have the bushings welded in, so I had to cut the welds to remove the bushings. The brackets were bent up due to being bumped over the years.

New bushings were hard to come by, I looked everywhere and even asked bushing manufacturers if they could make some. No one was willing to take on the task since the need is quite low. So, a member here (grimreaper) took it upon himself to make a mold and cast some bushings. They turned out great. I believe he still has a pair or two for sale if others are interested. He also e-mailed a great installation procedure to go with the bushings.

After I received the bushings, I straightened out the bushing brackets and had my brother weld them up. See pictures below for the progression of the restoration.

 

[ddartdude]

Nice job!!!! I'll probably have to do the same to mine -- someday.

 

[grimreaper]

Lookin good 66cuda-s !!

 

[Commando66]

Your work looks great. It's a challenge to use the original parts, but it's rewarding.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Nice work !

 

[Hell_Fish]

Is there enough meat on the tabs to drill holes and bolt the bracket together instead of welding it?

 

[66cuda-s]

Is there enough meat on the tabs to drill holes and bolt the bracket together instead of welding it?

I wondered about doing that. Yes, I think there is enough there. I was not sure if one bolt on each tab would work though if there happened to be any twisting on the bracket.

 

[Hell_Fish]

Better safe than sorry

 

[grimreaper]

I actually bought a kit for B-bodies to see if it would fit the A-body sway bar but the bushing is a real sloppy fit on the bar. The instructions with that kit show drilling a hole for each ear and bolting it together with 1/4" bolts. I prefer to weld mine but apperantly bolting works satisfactorily.

 

[grimreaper]

I have had several members contact me regarding these bushings. I originally had a few extras made and passed those on to members. Well, I had enough interest that I had the guy make another batch to supply those needs and now I've got 5 pairs left if anyone is interested. They're $24 a pair shipped. I'm not making money on these things. Just charging enough to cover the parts, a package and shipping. If you would like a pair of bushings specifically for the early A send me a PM.