Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars
I have corresponded with a Forum Member re a GM rear sway bar that he has for sale. Unfortunately he does not have the mounting hardware. The bar is 7/16". I checked GM parts records today and the RPO FE7 Gymkhana Suspension for 1979 is 7/8" front (I have) and 7/16" (11.14mm) rear (he has). Looks like a good match but the various mounting parts are discontinued.
That poses a dilemma: the mounting hardware from the various catalogues does not seem to drop below 9/16". So that 7/16" bar would seem to be an orphan. Or is this just an inside diameter bushing matter? And putting together the individual parts from the vendors for the stock set-up can get pretty pricey from what I see.
I checked current catalogue package options but they do not resemble the GM set-up seen below. They would seem to mount in a different manner. In particular the "rear link" in the diagram does not appear in those kits. Any thoughts on this?
Also, do any vendors offer a "stock" mounting hardware package? Appreciate your thoughts on this!
That poses a dilemma: the mounting hardware from the various catalogues does not seem to drop below 9/16". So that 7/16" bar would seem to be an orphan. Or is this just an inside diameter bushing matter? And putting together the individual parts from the vendors for the stock set-up can get pretty pricey from what I see.
I checked current catalogue package options but they do not resemble the GM set-up seen below. They would seem to mount in a different manner. In particular the "rear link" in the diagram does not appear in those kits. Any thoughts on this?
Also, do any vendors offer a "stock" mounting hardware package? Appreciate your thoughts on this!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars (paul79)
Paul,
Except for the two rubber bushings at the frame EVERYTHING else is the same. Open almost anyones catalog (except those selling aftermarket bars) and you will find all the mounting parts you need. I find it hard to believe the stuff is all discontinued at GM and the 9/16 stuff is available as the 7/16 rear bar was used alot longer (and later) than the 9/16 bar which is actually a BB bar (and when was the BB history??)
...redvetracr
Except for the two rubber bushings at the frame EVERYTHING else is the same. Open almost anyones catalog (except those selling aftermarket bars) and you will find all the mounting parts you need. I find it hard to believe the stuff is all discontinued at GM and the 9/16 stuff is available as the 7/16 rear bar was used alot longer (and later) than the 9/16 bar which is actually a BB bar (and when was the BB history??)
...redvetracr
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Re: Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars (redvetracr)
Dr. rebuild has what you need, brackets are the same, only rubber is different, I believe a 15/16 or 1" would be better front bar however. I bought the brackets less than 5 months ago, bolts you can get anywhere. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars (redvetracr)
This is an example of where I see a rear sway bar kit. But I do not see the "rear link" component. Am I missing something obvious?
http://www.vansteel.com/special0415.htm
http://www.vansteel.com/special0415.htm
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars (paul79)
Paul,
The Van Steel bars shown at the link are NOT factory bars. Van Steel is a rebuilder try Corvette Central or Paragon or Chicago Corvette or Zip they sell resto parts. ...redvetracr
The Van Steel bars shown at the link are NOT factory bars. Van Steel is a rebuilder try Corvette Central or Paragon or Chicago Corvette or Zip they sell resto parts. ...redvetracr
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Technical Questions re Rear Sway Bars (a454corvette)
Thanks! Very much appreciated. That looks like the factory diagrams. Now if I could see a Van Steel/Zip set-up I could make a comparison between $99 and $300.