Frame / Springs: 1965 Cruiser leaf spring bushings

[ozrod]

Does anyone have the dimensions for these bushings? I would like to hopefully get some newer made ones rather than NOS that are 50+years old.

[RadioRoy]

Why not buy a NOS one and measure it? That way you will have answers to all the questions that might come up later.

[Ross]

With what I have seen of modern rubber and reproduction bushings, I would put in the 50 year-old NOS if I could get them. The originals in my '53 are just now failing.

[8E45E]

I bought a repop set from Chuck Collins Studebaker. By now, NOS rubber might have deteriorated some, even while in storage.

Craig

[ozrod]

Thanks all, I will check with the vendors for some. It's hard to say how long we/me will be driving these old timers. At least I will have a respite from the bone on bone clunking I have now.

[rkapteyn]

Check with Russ Ware http://www.studebakerparts.com

[StudeRich]

Since MOST of the Studebaker Vendors can get NEW Rubber Suspension Parts, WHY would they sell NOS?

To answer my own question... they don't!

[JoeHall]

Most of our vendors only sell newer rubber stuff nowadays, but there's still some NOS floating around out there, and I avoid it like the plague. I once installed NOS front 'A' arm rubber bushings, which lasted less than a year before they were totally disintegrated. I am a CASO, but would not install NOS rubber bushings, seals or anything else rubber, even if given to me.

[Bills R2]

A worthy tread.
For the uninitiated, modern rubber is pretty poor, one needs only cite modern windshield wiper blades.

[ozrod]

I bought one each from SI for comparison and went to my local spring shop and the service guy said these were very good quality bushings, so I ordered the rest and they can press them in for $30.00. Sounds like it will all work out once I get the springs on the ground.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

My local leaf spring shop (Oregon Auto Spring) periodically gets Studebaker bushings from me. They have always been pleased with the quality of the replacement original style bushings.

[Steve Winzar]

I have just received a bunch of new bushings for my 81 Avanti and have measured these to record in my own 'technical references folder'.
To answer Ozrod's question here are the following dimensions....

Rear Spring Bush- large Outer tubing 1.521 to 1.523" dia Outer tube Length 2.550" Inner tubing length 2.875" (2 7/8" nom) ID for 7/16" bolt
Rear Spring/Frame Bush- small Outer tubing 0.880 to 0.878" dia Outer tube Length 2.500" Inner tubing length 3.125" (3 1/8" nom) ID for 7/16" bolt
For the sake of it....
Wall thickness of the small bush inner tubing is 0.75"
Wall thickness of the large bush inner tubing is 0.125" Note that these Inner tubes are both Hardened steel (case?) - I found that out when I tried cutting em out my rusty frame with a Hacksaw !
If you decide to produce bushings of the Delrin /HDPE/Teflon or hybridise steel bushes with "Nolathane", these dimensions should put you in good stead.
Steve.