Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-14-21 12:34 PM - Post#2812066
I would like to install a rear sway bar on my 62 bubbletop so it will handle better. Any recommendations?
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 pvs409
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3126
Loc: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Reg: 01-10-05
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01-14-21 01:08 PM - Post#2812073
In response to Poppas409
I have a Addco sway bar on my 62 Impala-fit great.
I have pictures of it. Its a bolt on in place of the original sway bar.
Paul
57 BelairHT 283/270hp 4 spd
62 ImpHT 327/300 4 spd
62 Imp CV SS 327/300HP 700R4 (sold)
62 Imp HT SS 409/482 stroker 4 spd
62 Imp SS 409 - 5 spd Convertible
http://paulstensland.com
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 japete92
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1584
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-14-21 01:44 PM - Post#2812079
In response to Poppas409
I would like to install a rear sway bar on my 62 bubbletop so it will handle better. Any recommendations?
Simply responding to the question ask; the Global West part #SB5864G is a simple (in design) unit that does not interfere with anything, and is easy to install. It is excellent at doing a sway bar's intended job; reducing roll.
Don't know what 'better' means to you. Many of these old cars have been either neglected or badly modified by previous owners. They require a LOT of work to get 'back' to their (quite good) OEM capabilities .
Pete
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Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-14-21 03:12 PM - Post#2812088
In response to japete92
I know what you mean, when I say better, now it just kind of wallows around. It has no rear sway bar now so I’m hoping that adding one will make it handle better. I’m not expecting it to handle like my new cars, just corner better. Thanks
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pvs409
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3126
Loc: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Reg: 01-10-05
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01-14-21 03:24 PM - Post#2812090
In response to pvs409
The Global West front sway bar does not fit in the factory location.
Read the description.
https://www.globalwest.net/1958-1959-1960-1961-1 96...
This Global West sway bar mounts in front of the steering box, all new holes to drill.. -I had one of these sway bars and sold it because of the modifications to mount it.
This Adcco Sway bar as I stated bolts in the factory location and definitely helps handling.
this sway bar fits..
https://www.jegs.com/i/ADDCO/020/706/10002 /-1?gcli...
I have pictures of my installation
I had at least 5 other members here say they have the Adcco sway bar on there 61 to 64 Chevys.
Paul
57 BelairHT 283/270hp 4 spd
62 ImpHT 327/300 4 spd
62 Imp CV SS 327/300HP 700R4 (sold)
62 Imp HT SS 409/482 stroker 4 spd
62 Imp SS 409 - 5 spd Convertible
http://paulstensland.com
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55Brodie
Contributor
Posts: 339
Age: 69
Loc: Little River, SC
Reg: 12-26-15
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01-14-21 03:40 PM - Post#2812092
In response to pvs409
The OP was asking about a REAR sway bar.
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pvs409
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3126
Loc: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Reg: 01-10-05
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01-14-21 03:51 PM - Post#2812094
In response to Poppas409
A rear sway bar does not help much. The front one larger than the factory front sway bar works very good.
I don't need a rear one with the larger front sway bar. That was my point.
Paul
57 BelairHT 283/270hp 4 spd
62 ImpHT 327/300 4 spd
62 Imp CV SS 327/300HP 700R4 (sold)
62 Imp HT SS 409/482 stroker 4 spd
62 Imp SS 409 - 5 spd Convertible
http://paulstensland.com
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dcairns
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2207
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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01-14-21 04:02 PM - Post#2812095
In response to Poppas409
I know what you mean, when I say better, now it just kind of wallows around. It has no rear sway bar now so I’m hoping that adding one will make it handle better. I’m not expecting it to handle like my new cars, just corner better. Thanks
What you need to be looking at first, is springs. Yeah, I know the fronts are a pain to install, but if you want to have a more "in control" feeling to the suspension, then look at these springs.
I used these on my 64 and it transformed the ride from the "all over the place" wallowing to a much more in control but not harsh ride. In fact it is somewhat comparable to my 2003 Silverado SS.
Moog 658A front (listed as SS springs)
Moog 6033 rear (listed as Heavy Duty)
I used to have an Addco rear anti-sway bar, but removed it as I did not like the non-stock look of it hanging below the differential. I don't think it helped all that much. The thicker Addco front sway bar made a big difference vs stock.
I also used Monroe Sensa-trac Shocks and
Energy Suspension Poly Graphite bushings all around. Not sure how much those helped.
<edit - DonSSDD reminded me about tires>
Radial tires 245/60/14 Diamond Back III white wall tires (BF Goodrich tires T/A Radials with a white wall vulcanized on them) 25.6” Diameter. Sits a bit lower than stock, but looks nice. The wider radial tires make a huge difference in cornering and braking grip.
- Dave
1964 Impala 4-door sedan
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Edited by dcairns on 01-15-21 06:49 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 DonSSDD
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 7482
Loc: Nova Scotia, Canada
Reg: 08-21-01
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01-15-21 03:47 AM - Post#2812117
In response to dcairns
The 1 inch Addco front sway bar, new bushings all around on the suspension, and new shocks improves things greatly. I used moog 6004’s on the front springs and energy suspension poly bushings, with plenty of non petroleum grease on them for squeak protection. I also used KYB gas adjust shocks. Good radials make a difference over skinny stock tires too, I have 15 inch on my car, a 245 width on the rear.
63 Pontiac Parisienne Sport Coupe(CDN Chev mechanically (409, 4 speed),62 Bel Air SC (sold), 59 El Camino (sold), 62 Bel Air SC(sold), 63 SWC Vette (sold),
Member #2194
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japete92
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1584
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-15-21 08:37 AM - Post#2812136
In response to Poppas409
I know what you mean, when I say better, now it just kind of wallows around. It has no rear sway bar now so I’m hoping that adding one will make it handle better. I’m not expecting it to handle like my new cars, just corner better. Thanks
Sorry I 'missed' the rear sway bar part of your question. My comments were addressing a front.
My opinion and experience has been AFTER getting the front end in really great shape, a rear sway bar is not necessary. Little, if any, 'bang for the buck'.
"Wallowing around" (as I would define it) is more likely a front end issue. I drove many thousands of miles in the 60s on X body full size Chevys, and they did NOT 'wallow around'; neither will they today if in proper condition and adjustment.
Previous comments by others on springs and shocks for the front address those parts. Don't neglect the other front end parts (balls joints, etc) from any inspections. Replace as required.
Alignment? OEM specs are fine if the car is OEM in configuration. IF the OEM power steering box has been replaced with one of the integral power steering boxes, increased + caster (approx 4 degrees) is required to keep the car from 'wandering' and for better 'return to center' feel. Can't get there with OEM upper control arms. Tubular (I never found stamped steel) upper arms with built in +5 degrees of caster are available.
Just some info.
Pete
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Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-15-21 01:08 PM - Post#2812150
In response to Poppas409
If you have pictures of the sway bar installed it would be great to see them. My BelAir has no rear sway bar and can’t find any info on how I would install one.
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Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-15-21 01:14 PM - Post#2812151
In response to Poppas409
Thanks for all the responses guys, I will order the adco front sway bar and you’re right the springs and shocks will help also.
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Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-15-21 01:56 PM - Post#2812153
In response to Poppas409
Looking on line what is the difference between the Moog 6004 and the Moog 658a front springs? Pvs409 the link you enclosed for Jegs Addco sway bar I assume it is the right part number for a 62?
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Poppas409
Newbie
Posts: 29
Reg: 05-18-20
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01-15-21 02:02 PM - Post#2812154
In response to Poppas409
Dcairns do you happen to know the part number for the sensa track shocks?
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dcairns
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2207
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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01-15-21 03:02 PM - Post#2812162
In response to Poppas409
Dcairns do you happen to know the part number for the sensa track shocks?
That was 8 years ago. I just looked at Monroe's website and they don't seem to have "Sensa Track" for the 64 Impala anymore, just the "OESpectrum" type. I don't think the the SensaTrac was anything magic, just a marketing name for a regular shock. They looked close to the originals in style when painted black, other not having the coveted spiral the originals had stamped in the metal. You may do well to shop around for other options.
On the topic of the Addco rear sway bar, this is how it hooked up on my 64. Keep in mind, this was purchased back in the mid-late 80's and the design may not be the same today. If it did not hang below the differential, I might have kept it, but if you look at the car from a low angle, it stands out as something odd/not original.
- Dave
1964 Impala 4-door sedan
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kingkreeton
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1497
Loc: Houston TX
Reg: 04-15-11
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01-15-21 04:30 PM - Post#2812168
In response to Poppas409
If you have pictures of the sway bar installed it would be great to see them. My BelAir has no rear sway bar and can’t find any info on how I would install one.
You should not need a rear sway bar. As Dave suggested, install new rear springs and you will feel a difference.
Shane
64 Impala SS:
Chevy Performance 350HO
4 Speed Muncie
Proud member of Big Blue Nation, University of Kentucky Basketball. "Go Big Blue" |
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japete92
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1584
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-15-21 05:26 PM - Post#2812173
In response to Poppas409
Looking on line what is the difference between the Moog 6004 and the Moog 658a front springs? Pvs409 the link you enclosed for Jegs Addco sway bar I assume it is the right part number for a 62?
Attached are some Moog specs, from a search I did a few years ago. I have the 658a in front of my 63 convertible.
Some years ago, I replaced some Sensa Trac front shocks with KYB kg4550 shocks. The KYBs are an improvement (a little 'firmer'), in my opinion. The Sensa Trac is not bad, simply OEM 'equal'.
Pete
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 Tony
Founder & Grand PoohBah
Posts: 18550
Age: 64
Loc: Orange County CA.
Reg: 03-15-99
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01-17-21 08:17 AM - Post#2812252
In response to Poppas409
Our longtime sponsor Hellwig lists one as well.
https://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/search-by...
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pvs409
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3126
Loc: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Reg: 01-10-05
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01-17-21 09:35 AM - Post#2812257
In response to Poppas409
Looking on line what is the difference between the Moog 6004 and the Moog 658a front springs? Pvs409 the link you enclosed for Jegs Addco sway bar I assume it is the right part number for a 62?
Yes the link is correct for a front sway bar ( I have one on my shelf and one on my 62.
Paul
57 BelairHT 283/270hp 4 spd
62 ImpHT 327/300 4 spd
62 Imp CV SS 327/300HP 700R4 (sold)
62 Imp HT SS 409/482 stroker 4 spd
62 Imp SS 409 - 5 spd Convertible
http://paulstensland.com
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jamie_62belair
Newbie
Posts: 33
Age: 36
Loc: new zealand
Reg: 06-13-17
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01-17-21 09:43 PM - Post#2812295
In response to Poppas409
iam about to install a hellwig 5812 REAR sway bar myself when it shows up, i have read great reviews about them.
I like the way they mount compared to the U bolt plate type kit.
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 longboard
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 950
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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01-18-21 04:38 PM - Post#2812356
In response to jamie_62belair
I have Hotchis, front , rear, trailing arms, and pan hard bar. No roll. The two items that made all the noticeable difference for me was 1) rear sway bar, and the biggest difference was installing tubular a-arms with poly bushings. I also think the poly bushings in the Hotchkis parts as well.
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blkss64
Contributor
Posts: 173
Reg: 07-22-12
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01-20-21 05:42 PM - Post#2812504
In response to jamie_62belair
I have used both the front and rear sway bars on several x frame Chevys. From personal experience , I like to use the Addco brand up front and the Hellwig brand on the rear. I also add a second upper control arm on the rear axle. These modifications really improve the cars handling. As stated, the 5812 Hellwig bar mounts to the side of the lower control arms and uses spacers in the center of the arm. This mounting style duplicates the A body mounting style of the GM intermediates in the late 60’s/ 70’s. The bar doesn’t hang down like other brands. JMHO
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BelAirBub
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 205
Reg: 06-18-18
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01-21-21 06:06 AM - Post#2812519
In response to pvs409
Another endorsement for the Addco front sway bar, fresh bushings, and shocks. No rear sway bar needed.
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wiz62impala
Contributor
Posts: 101
Reg: 08-12-17
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01-23-21 06:00 AM - Post#2812708
In response to BelAirBub
I installed the hellwig front and rear sway bars, new springs and kyb gas adjust shocks on my 62 impala and it was night and day with the driveability of the car. Rear sway bar tucks in nicely but I had to drill holes in the rear lower trailing arms to install which wasn’t difficult and all the details were in the instructions
1962 Chevy Impala Hardtop 2DR
327 V8, 4 Speed Muncie M21
1980 Cadillac Coupe Deville |
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 60Impala1837
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 230
Loc: Las Vegas
Reg: 07-06-13
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01-23-21 09:59 AM - Post#2812740
In response to wiz62impala
Another vote for Hellwig!!!
Front bar made a huge difference.
Jim
'60 Impala Sport Coupe, 283/pg
Former:
'65 BelAir (355 / 350 hp)
'68 Caprice (donor)
My Pictures |
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 Tom_Kochtanek
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 433
Loc: Columbia, Missouri, USA
Reg: 11-19-02
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02-09-21 08:53 PM - Post#2813985
In response to 60Impala1837
Did you have any issues with interference near the pitman arm?
I fitted one up and it seems to rub in that area. Any way to avoid this? I'll try to locate a picture.
Thanks in advance!
TomK
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Tom_Kochtanek
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 433
Loc: Columbia, Missouri, USA
Reg: 11-19-02
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02-10-21 10:07 AM - Post#2814017
In response to Tom_Kochtanek
Here is a shot of the Addco front sway bar on my '62 Biscayne. It kinda rubs. Stock lower A arms with the tab that comes with the V8 from the factory.
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