Sway bar bushing and Parts Questions and Rims F.S.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Are the bushings for the rear Sway bar the same as the fronts? For the 50' Commander?

And does anyone have a good Napa (or any other place) part number for the valve lifter access gaskets for a commander engine?

And is there any where you can get a kit for rebuilding the knee action shocks? I have been reading about rebuilding them I just haven't seen anywhere to get the parts from.

I also have these 4 rims for sale if you might know of anyone that might need them. Look here Studebaker rims 15" x 4 1/2" Wide $100 OBO?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=12338996&l=88bc7d9132&id=774710359

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=12338997&id=774710359

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs330.ash1/28646_10150175085995360_774710359_12339000_7107470_n.jpg

[rockne10]

Nineteen and a half hours later and no one has ventured a response?
Wish I had your answer but, unless no one comes forth, I would contact T-bow. He would know.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Will Do,
I am surprised no responses as yet.
Thanks rockne10 for the heads up on t-bow.

Edsel

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Hours later the crickets are chirping in the back round still no reply's.

[bezhawk]

The shocks are rebuildable, yes, but did you know that they are adjustable too? There should be a lock nut on the top with a shaft sticking through....kinda like a auto trans band adjusting set up. Loosen the lock nut and turn the adjustment a little at a time untill you are happy with the ride. ( A little adjustment goes a long ways).
I don't remember if the rubber bushings are the same front and back.
If you have a popular 4-wheel drive accessory shop near by, they usually have various size bushings in urethane in stock.
If you still need to rebuild yours there are vendors listed in hemmings under services.
I hope this helps

[KD0FRQ]

According to my parts book, the bushings that are in the middle of the bars and hold them the the frame, are the same front and rear. Studebaker part number 522518. Hope that gets ya answered.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

Yes, this helps a lot. I didn't know the shocks were adjustable. Cool!

I still would like to know a resource for the rebuild of the shocks.

I think I am going to try and replace the bushings on the rear sway bar with the same bushings as the front I just replaced.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[kurtruk]

Edsel,
Can't tell for sure if you're hoping to rebuild the shock yourself or just get them rebuilt somehow. A few companies do rebuild them. Google Apple Hydraulics. And then be shocked at the price!

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

I was hoping to give the rebuild a shot myself. from all I have read the parts to rebuild them are about $3 worth of parts. The trick is finding the parts to begin with.

Here is some interesting Information and parts manual.

http://www.tocmp.com/manuals/Ford/Haudaille/index.html

More here

http://www.antiqueautoarchive.com/folders/Restoration/kneeaction/kneeactionpdfcompressed.pdf

These guys rebuild the as well. Last I heard they are about $150 each rebuilt and painted and returned. http://www.classicautoshocks.com/index.htm

A bit more information on the subject.

[kurtruk]

I don't think the 34-35-36 Chevy knee-action shock are anything like the Stude Houdaille shocks.
You should give the Thoms brothers at Studebakers West a call. They deal with these cars a lot. May just need to flush the old fluid out and put new fluid in. I've (suprisingly) never seen these shocks discussed much within the club, Turning Wheels, or elsewhere.
Also wondered how hard it could be to put telescoping-style shock mounts on our cars and go that route.

[nvonada]

My understanding is that if the shocks don't bind and have a pretty steady resistance though the range of motion they are probably fine. You don't hear much about these because they are really reliable. But they were heavy and REALLY expensive to make. NOS units show up on eBay all the time cheaper than rebuilding. The fluid used in these is no longer to be found but I have heard of hydraulic fluid and ATF both being used. I have no idea what is best there.

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

I have heard that the fluid is not available as well but I assume you should drain the remaining amount in the shock be for replacing it with something like jack oil or what ever people have suggested.

Is this correct?