New Sway Bar.

I fitted a 31.5mm 86 Firebird sway bar to the 59 Lark last week and here is the link.

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Wiz.

Reply to
Wizard of Oz
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Just a note to any who can see the difference. The cardboard used 1 5/8" wide but for the metal I used 2". It's easier to find and probably has some other benefits but it was used because it was there.

Wiz.

Reply to
Wizard of Oz

I like it, especially the mounts. One question though, why have the ends of the sway bar below the control arm rather than above? is there interference with the crossmember to use it the other way? I can't really tell from the pics but I suspect that may be why you did it that way. Anyway, nice job, let us know how it drives.

nate

Wizard of Oz wrote:

Reply to
Nate Nagel

Oz..

Similar to Nate..

Three observations...

  1. The bar fits better right side up and a little closer to the frame. That way the bar isn't hanging down to catch on things as you're driving down the road.

  1. You might want to make a pair of doublers and weld them to the a-arms where you have the links going through. I found that the sway bar has enough strength to bend the little lip on the arm if it isn't strengthened.

  2. This one's maybe a little more personel, but the frame bracket should be watched for cracking. I bent my out of one piece of steel. The only two welds are the support. I made my support a diagnal. That divides the bracket into two triangles which are much more stiff that two squares. Ever try to put a house of cards together whithout setting most cards at an angle...won't work. Same idea for strength.

Note....this is NOT ment to down grade what you've done. This is just to throw out a coupla helping hints...steels cheap (sort of!). I definatly "applaud" you (people), you have the initiative, desire, and creativity to do things yourself (themselves).

My 59 Lark 2dr wagon has basically the same setup. Has for about 6 years now. Everyday driver, my only car for that purpose.

Mike

Reply to
Mike

Mike, could you post a few pics of your setup? Six years is plenty of time to prove the application.

Thanks,

JT

Reply to
Grumpy AuContraire

I just stopped for lunch so I can't sit here all day.

It probably is the lowest part up front. I have a clutch to change out on a

94 civic today and will play with the Stude later and let you all know how it turns out.

Yes, it is a totally different car. From a Lark six with no sway bar that felt like it was about to fall over in a turn to something that sits flat and is now pushing the traction of the tires. It has also dispensed with the rear tires rubbing on the opposite side in turns. Next will be a rear bar.

Wiz.

Reply to
Wizard of Oz

The entire ablum. jf

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Reply to
jerrystudebaker

I looked again and I still don't see that it could fit the other way. Only one way to find out. I'll swap it over in the morning. As it is the clearance is tight near the radiator support. If you used the same bar how far forward of the original radiator support bolt is the bar? Mine is directly under it. The brackets are offset to the outside edge of the frame to mount in the bars original location. The bracket hangs down about 4" from the frame. How does the full travel of the A-arms, when they hit the rubber bump stop, effect the outer mounting links? What size wheel and tire combination are you running?

Wiz.

Reply to
Wizard of Oz

I appears to me that the bar itself is shaped to prevent the optimum installation either way. Presently, the shape on the trailing end looks correct but on the forward (bracket end), it goes in the opposite direction than it should.

That said, you're between a rock 'n a hard place. Other types of bars have been fitted in the past but I don't recall specifically brands, years etc.

I'm too lazy to do it myself as I simply retained the original rear bar on the '55 Prez but installed a later Lark type with the front bushing supports etc.

But it is through the efforts such as yourself that we all learn about suitable modifications to make our cars handle better and it is appreciated.

JT

Wizard of Oz wrote:

Reply to
Grumpy AuContraire

This mornings work.

I had to replace the four bolts holding the sway bar to the mounts, the ones towards the center line of the car, because, if you notice in the photos, they were old ones I had but were not quite long enough to seat fully in the nylon locking portion of the nuts. So, with the questions about which way is up I was two bolts away from having it all off this morning so I removed it.

The story thus far. After turning the bar the other way up it would mean modifying the stands about 1 1/2" shorter and the bar would fit closer to the frame. Now the down side. I still have issues with clearance of the spring housing with the flanged area coming in contact with the bar ends at full wheel travel. The bar would be taller than the rubber bump stop.

When Mike get his photos posted then we can see how his is mounted and how much clearance it has.

I still have no fears about the installation being strong enough or not having enough ground clearance. I lived most of my life not having more than one sealed, asphalt/paved, road in town. I have spent most of my adult life in the outback of Australia where going to work means not seeing a paved road for weeks at a time. Now living in and around the LA area I have no intentions of taking my Studebaker on any dirt, crappy, rock strewn road. Sure enough I might come across some debris on the freeway, I damaged the right front wheel on my 2001 BMW after hitting a immovable peace of steel one night. There are no guarantees in life except death and taxes. So, I will take my chances until a better way is shown.

Thanks to all who have commented about the installation we all need checks and balances to perfect our walk.

Wiz.

Reply to
Wizard of Oz

Same milk man...or just an uncanny resemblance?

Reply to
Loy Daniel

Dayam, that milkman had a long route. Jeff's from Ill. and I be from Aladamnbama. There's a bunch of guys and gals on this NG that I would rather have as relatives than some of the ones I have. JF

Reply to
jerrystudebaker

Boy oh Boy you can say that again JF!!

There are many on here that would be nice to have for family ...in fact I don't know one here that won't be heads up better than some I have that call themselves family to me...

Ha...Guess that's just how life is ...

Funny my father always made Mom get the milk at the store...

Lans>>Dam, that milkman had a long route. Jeff's from Ill. and I be from >>Aladamnbama.

snipped>>>>

Reply to
Lansing Small

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