Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I have a 1940 110 and the front anti sway bar has separated from the right hand connecting link. If I replace it with a used or NOS assembly it probably will not last very long so what I would like to do is replace the assembly with one from a more modern car that uses modern connecting links at both top and bottom. Has anyone out there preformed this modification and if so what year, make & model car do I need to find for the donor parts?

G'day CorvetteBob1,
to PackardInfo, but sorry I can't assist with your query.

I do, however, invite you to include your '40 110 2 Door in the Packard Owner's Registry together with your '53 Clipper 2 Door.

If I replace it with a used or NOS assembly it probably will not last very long.....

I would not make that assumption - replacing it with original type parts should give a very long service life.

IIRC, someone made a repair kit for the original style bars and links. Don't remember who made it but I believe Joe Santana had one. During the time the discussion on using it was taking place didn't one of the regions investigate having some new sway bars made. I believe they were going to make or adapt some bars for prewar models with the links attached more like the 48-50 versions. Did anything ever happen on that project?

I would try Ron Carpenter 1 925 980 0208

Yes, I am the person developing the replacement sway bar for the 1941-42 Packards. I am about certain my sway bar will also fit the 1940 models also.

I have prototype sample in my hands and I am sending off the final design change to the supplier now and then production will start. First run of the new sway bars should be ready in 6 to 8 weeks. You will find this to be FAR superior to any "fix-it kit" and in line with the design that Packard used just after the war.

Owen, generally finding an NOS would be preferred, but that it NOT the case for this part.

The links at the each end of the sway bar were held in place with a vulcanized rubber connection. Over time the rubber breaks down and now you have metal-on-metal rubbing together - thus losing any effect the sway bar has on handling. More metal-on-metal rubbing and soon the part fails altogether.

The "fix-it kit" really never solved the problem. One was installed by the previous owner of my 1941 120 business coupe, so I know what I am talking about. The kit consisted of repairing the broken link then inserting some rubber biscuits and holding everything together with only a cotter pin. This NEVER attached the sway bar correctly as Packard designed. It only held the parts together just enough for you to see a sway bar on the frame of the car. I seriously doubt it worked as well as an original part back in the day.

Hang in there and stay tuned as the new part will be ready soon.

PM me if you have specific questions.