1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

[Frank D.]

I swear the repro stuff is just awful in many cases...
The bushing on the left is original NOS with the number 3831586, the one on the right is a repro...just a real bad piece...maybe 1/3 smaller than original bushing.

Does anyone have a source for something close to original ? I only have the one NOS bushing so I'm 3 shy of decent ones.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

Frank I believe those are still available from GM. You may want to call your local GM dealer parts dept to check pricing and if back-order applies.

Just checked a few places online I've used. May be special order though.

https://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-pa...mpener-3831586

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-pa...mpener-3831586

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

Thanks Rich - checking those sources now...

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

I've heard that Doc Rebuild's spring link cushions are also good. They may be repackaged GM parts.

Duke

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

I agree (I have NOS radiator hoses from him), but due to the virus and some family issues; he's shut down his store, prob through August -- maybe longer... A good friend saw this post and offered up some GM versions....so I think I'm good if that works out...

I should have added that the repros pictured above are also some sort of cheesier rubber than original, all 4 cracked in many places on a lightly driven, base motor car...

Thanks all...

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

Now for the good news - if you use the repo's they pass judging while the originals will get a deduct.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 leaf spring bushings (good source)

The repros were on the car when regionally judged and, no, I don't recall any deductions for them.
Conversely I'm not sure why originals WOULD get deducts.

BTW - I'm going with NOS cushions but I dug out some Zip repros and they are MUCH better than whatever vendor's repros some previous owner used in the picture above... The rubber is better, the height is spot on, but the curvature of the rounded "shoulders" is off a bit.