1950s Sway bar and end link kits

[Bob Kielar]

Need to change the bushings on my sway bar end links. Which ones would be better rubber or thermoplastic? Also I tried to change to a larger sway bar but it would not fit the center holes on the original sway bar is 42" the one I got was 41. Has anyone successfully upgraded one? My Cadillac is a 1955 Fleetwood.

Thanks,
Bob

[5390john]

My '55 has custom (1 1/8" diameter) front and (3/4" diameter) rear sway bars with urethane bushings. It corners FLAT, no body roll, even at 35 mph!
I strongly recommend the urethane bushings, they are firmer than rubber and last a lot longer. Just be sure to use the special grease when you install them.
John Adams

[Big Fins]

I used the urethane bushing in my replacement too. They went on the stock sway bar, but huge difference in the way that heavy front wheel drive holds the road. Wandering is non-existent now. Very little difference in cost too.

[Jay Friedman]

I have a thicker front sway bar in my '49.  Turning corners and handling in general is much better.

[Bob Kielar]

Thanks for the replies. Here are some pictures of the new and old sway bar you can see the difference. I was thinking of heating the new one up and bend it to match of original one but was afraid on how it would affect the metal.

John did you make your sway bars or had them made or purchased them? Would you mine sharing where you got them from?

Thanks,
Bob