Sway Bar Bushing Question

[olddman]

I need some help with sway bar bushings. Need to replace the front sway bar bushings on my 1965 Dart. Measured the diameter of the sway bar with a calibration tool and came up with a one-inch diameter. Bought a set of 1 inch Energy Suspension bushings. When I tried one on the sway bar I had a gap of 3/8 inch. Reordered a set of 1 1/16-inch Energy Suspension bushings and tried one on the sway bar and had a gap of 3/16 inch. I thought that the bushing shouldn't have a gap when installed.
Which bushing should I use, or do I need to order a larger bushing?

 

[dano]

By gap do you mean then the bushing closes around the bar or the diameter is bigger by that amount? If its 1" order 1", you might have got mis-packaged bushings.

 

[olddman]

When bushing closes around the bar there is a gap where the split is.
Gap is 3/8 inch with the 1 inch bushing and 3/16 inch with the 1 1/16 inch bushing.
Have remeasured the sway bar at least six times.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Since the 1 inch sway bar is not stock what does the sway bar manufacturer say?

 

[dano]

When bushing closes around the bar there is a gap where the split is.
Gap is 3/8 inch with the 1 inch bushing and 3/16 inch with the 1 1/16 inch bushing.
Have remeasured the sway bar at least six times.

I've never had that happen and I've installed probably 10 different sway bars. What brand are the bushings?

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Once you press i the two piece bracket the gap close up. Then reweld the bracket

 

[Dana67Dart]

Once you press i the two piece bracket the gap close up. Then reweld the bracket

Might not be pre 70 something type. Might be aftermarket???

My bet is aftermarket. FSM only shows a sway bar in the big cars.

Perhaps the OP could post some photos!

 

[olddman]

The sway bar was on Dart when I bought it, so guess it is after market. Do not know who made it and seller passed away several years ago so won't be able to find out manufacturer. Have looked on bar but can not find any markings.

But I think that I have solved the problem. After reading everyone's suggestions, for some reason Oldmanmopar caused a light to go off in Olddman's head. Looks to me like the old sway bar brackets that go around the bushings aren't compressing the bushings. Don't know why I didn't think of that before coming here! Going to get some new brackets or get complete bushing kit.
Thanks, Oldmanmopar and everyone else who gave me suggestions. Will let you know what happens or if any other problems crop up.