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One of the first things I need to do to this car is replace just about every piece of rubber in the suspension and steering. I'm looking for a good source for these. I know about Steele Rubber Co. but I don't know of any others.

Also, has anyone replaced with urethane bushings instead? It would be the last time you'd ever have to do it.

Just curious.

I've bought various rubber parts from Steele for decades for a very large variety of Packards and must say I've always been extremely satisfied with the precision of fit and appearance. But I can't say the same for the performance of the suspension parts, they don't seem to last very long at all.

I've tried buying urethane rod stock, freezing it and lathe turning it for some simple bushings, but this really is not all that rewarding. I've been thru PST's catalog a few times looking for pieces that will fit in various Packards, but w/o success. If you come up with any urethane substitutes, I think all of here would love to get the details.

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Wow, I like your style! I'll be sure to share anthing I find when freshening up the chassis and suspension.

For the main sway bar bushings on my '54 Clipper, I am using ones from Energy Suspension that are Poly bushings. But then again I had to make a spacer/adapter that allowed be to use a modern universal style bracket. That same thing would work on the '55 Clipper. BUT I had to order the replacement sway bar end link bushings from Steelerubber.

I'm leaning towards that route as well for the sway bar. It looks like the sway bar took a hit on the passenger side and the bracket is a little bent. I can't say that I'm surprised it's bent. Those things look pretty flimsy and they hang down so far out in front, it's just a matter of time before they're smacked by something. A couple of new inner brackets and some universal bushings seem like the way to go.

You just need to make a spacer to maintain the original swaybar position. I made both spacers from a 2" x 6" x 12" bar of aluminum.

I love to see a picture of it if you get a chance. In fact I'd bet that there are plenty of mods people have done like this. Maybe a new forum category for custom mods? Or should we post them to the "tech tips" articles?

Here is a picture of the bracket. More info can be found in my project blog.

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That's awsome! Creations like this should have their own threads. I'm going to have to check out your blog for the details.

Thanks Kev!