Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Gents,
I am at the point of trying to reinstall the front stab bar with new bushings from Max/Steele. I've read as many posts as I can regarding creating a version of the official tool and directions from Heinmuller/Ross.

I think I am going to try the Heinmuller/Ross approach which is to use vise grips to squeeze the bar in as far as possible, then a C-clamp horizontally to compress the clip while using a small screwdriver to lift the top tabs over the top of the lower control arm and into the slots.

Just to be sure I am chosing the proper pain, what is the right orientation of the end bushings? They are rectangular. So do I put the narrow end in the channel and really, really compress the clip with the C-clamp? Or do I force the wider end into the channel so that less is sticking out to be compressed by the C-clamp?

thanks
Bob

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Having not heard any response on this, I decided to press on.

I slid the narrow end of the bushing in the channel of the lower control arm. With both sides in, I used a C-clamp to compress the very tips of the bar in as much as possible to compress the rubber bushing. Then used another C-clamp to squeeze in the clip. Once the two top 'teeth' of the clip touched the control arm, I used a little screwdriver to pop the teeth up and with a few more turns of the C-clamp, they popped right into their slots.

I've been dreading this task for a while, but it turns out it was very straightforward. This technique is different than what is in the SC but worked well. It is attributed to Ross and I read about it in info that Dwight Heinmuller sent me (attributing Ross) when I bought his new rear bushings. Very handy and THANK YOU to both.

Just wanted to close out this post with a positive account.

thx

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Sorry I didn't see your initial query, but well done.