C-2 Strut Bushings

[Joel Karam]

C-2 Strut Bushings

I have a set of small end Strut Rods for my 67 and it is time to replace the bushings.
Q1: What is a good source of these, are they still available from GM?
Q2: Do they require any special equipment to remove and replace?
Q3: There is of NOS Strut Bushings on Ebay for sale, how do I know they will fit and would Old Bushing still be OK?
Q4: What did I not ask that I should have?

Thanks Joel
67 L71 Roadster

[Gary B.]

C2 Strut Bushings

Joel,

GM sells replacment bushings for the small OD strut rods. You're correct that these show up on e-bay, e.g., http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eb...166892&r=0&t=0

I forget what GM currently charges per bushing.

The current GM replacements bushing are configured differently from the original bushings. The new bushings have an outer metal sleeve that the originals didn't have. As a result the new bushings have a much thinner rubber portion and should be much stiffer than originals. I don't believe that one can see the outer metal sleeve when installed, so I don't think there will be a points deduct during judging, but I've never really looked closely at installed bushings to know this for a fact. Perhaps some other more experienced judge will chime in.

Gary

[Joel Karam]

Re: C2 Strut Bushings

Gary, thanks. The ones you referenced on eBay are what got me to start asking. I will be changing the bushing his Fall. Note, those on eBay have the metal ring you mentioned. No need to go after these if GM offers the same part with metal ring also and maybe fresher rubber. Will also have to get under the car and note if the ring would be visible as well as call GM.

Joel
67 L71 Roadster

[Gary B.]

Re: C2 Strut Bushings

Joel,

The GM part # is 3775762 and they currently list for $15.28 each. You can get a set of 4 from gmpartsdirect.com for $42.79 including S&H. I think the gmpartsdirect.com price will be better than what you can negotiate with your local chevy dealship, unless you're much better at negotiating than I am.

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Strut Bushings

Gary and Joel-----

Yes, the GM #3775762 is the correct replacement bushing for the 63-74 type strut rods. The original bushings were an integral bushing which was vulcanized in the rod eyes. The replacement bushings are of a type with a steel outer shell in order to make field installation possible. Unfortunately, the original strut rods with the integral bushings are long-since GM discontinued. The 63-74 rods used replacement bushings of 1-1/4" OD. The 75+ rods, which will SERVICE all 63-74 applications use bushings which are 1-3/8" OD. The 75+ rods are, obviously, incorrect for 63-74 models, though, but they are still available.

When the replacement bushings are installed in the 63-74 rods, and the rods installed in the car, they are indiscernable from the original-type bushings. However, what IS discernable are the caps which fit over each ends of the bushings. The original caps used for 63-74 rods, GM #3791519, were sized to fit the 1-1/4" bushings. The replacement caps, GM #348390, are actually sized to fit the 1-3/8" bushings. They work just fine for 63-74 rods, but "overlap" just a tad and are incorrect. I don't know if there are any eagle-eyed judges that know about this, though, or if this feature is even judged. I don't think that the earlier style are reproduced, either. In fact, I don't know if most folks have figured out the difference yet. It's actually not too great a difference. I imagine that the vendors jsut sell the current GM replacement for all 63+ applications.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C-2 Strut Bushings

I just had my strut rod bushings replaced. The bushings were supplied, installed and the rods sandblasted for $55 for the pair by Precision Engineering in Florida. See your NCRS Driveline for their Ad....I'll use my old washers for reassembly.