1960s 1962 Coupe DeVille Front/Rear Suspension Rebuild Advice

[1962 CDV]

Hello all - So I'm trying to decide whether to rebuild the suspension on my 1962 Coupe and I have a few questions.

First, I was looking at the parts available on Rubber The Right Way (bushings, etc). The parts are more expensive than Kanter, but I've heard a lot of negative things about Kanter's parts (imported/low-quality) and RTRW states all the parts are "Made in USA". Has anyone purchased suspension parts from RTRW and if so, what was the experience? Are there any other suppliers to consider?

Second, the parts on RTRW lists two different sizes for upper control arm bushings and shafts: they are either 1-7/16" outer diameter or 1-1/2". Is this size difference based on model - Coupe DeVille vs Sedan DeVille, etc.? Or is it a random difference like Carter vs Rochester carbs? I guess I'll measure what's on my Coupe now before ordering, but I'd like to know the reason for the two different sizes if there is one.

Any input on this would be appreciated. Depending on the OD size difference noted, the total cost of parts to rebuild the front and rear suspension from RTRW are between $2,850 and $3,150 - 

[Clewisiii]

I bought my first set from a Rare Parts Source seller on ebay. They were great. Only one size offered.
 



But I had to strip my frame again and had to replace most of them.
This time I bought from a seller who said there were two sizes and the 1.5 inch were the most common.
I did not like that set and The 1.5 bushing went right through my control arms.

The new one on the left. slightly smaller and fell through.



Compressing springs with no vehicle weight sucked.

[Clewisiii]

I am sure the rare parts source Upper control arm bushings were moog parts.

[Caddyholic]

Rockauto has all the moog front end parts way less. The upper ball joint will outlast the lower ones 3 to 1. The rear parts I got from rtrw. Or old parts.

[David King (kz78hy)]

I sell Rare Parts brand parts, I mark up something over cost depending on order amount.  It will substantially less than the posted retail prices shown on their website.

[1962 CDV]

O.K. I measured and the outer diameter of the upper bushings is 1-1/2" on my coupe.

So overall the consensus is that Rare Parts is a good source? But Moog bushings may not fit properly?

Does anyone know where Rubber The Right Way sources the parts listed on their website?

[Clewisiii]

O.K. I measured and the outer diameter of the upper bushings is 1-1/2" on my coupe.

So overall the consensus is that Rare Parts is a good source? But Moog bushings may not fit properly?

Does anyone know where Rubber The Right Way sources the parts listed on their website?

Your bushings are tappered. Where did you measure.

[Clewisiii]

Original. Inside pre taper 1.5 inch


But once you go down to where it bottoms out it is larger.



The wrong ones that said they were 1.5

[1962 CDV]

Thanks for the additional info. I'll double check the measurements this evening, but I believe I measured right where the bushing extrudes by the control arm shaft. I'll take a picture.

[1962 CDV]

I've attached a photo of where I measured the outside diameter of the upper control arm bushing.

[bctexas]

FWIW, the factory parts book lists one part number for a kit of all four upper control arm bushings for '61-'65 Caddys. 

6.164 1.0120 BUSHING, UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
1950 thru 1960        146 6367    1.10     Qty  4
1961 thru 1965        147 5701    1.35     Qty  4

I can tell you for a fact that my '65 had different size bushings left and right.  When I ordered the parts (Moog from Rock Auto as I recall), I saw two sizes in the list.  I went to the car and measured one side, assumed they were all the same size and ordered 4 of the that size.  When reassembling, I found that two were the wrong size and had to drop back and punt.

HTH

[1962 CDV]

Thanks for the info. If I end up doing this project, it may make sense to wait to buy the parts until everything is disassembled and can be measured.

I'm O.K. with that, I guess. I'm still on the fence as to whether to move forward with this project or just sell the car.