Where can I find a leaf spring bushing for a '37 Nash?

I need the front bushing on the rear leaf spring on my 1937 Nash Lafayette. Have gone to the local parts stores, they won't help me because it's pre '64. Asked if they could just look at their bushings, they said "No, they are all in boxes". And, the original bushing is in pretty bad shape.

Have done a google search and come up with little. In that search I found Egge Machine Company, their bushing is brass not rubber (I believe that is for the rear u shackle). When I told him it was rubber there was just silence on the other end.

Any info on a knowledgeable company/source would be appreciated!

 

I would try a spring shop.

In my area there are a couple places that deals with leaf springs. They mostly deal with trucks but they do re-arch springs and un-arch springs so folks can raise or lower their vehicles ...

 

Bushings can be fabricated from original material or Delrin or even steel. Modern materials offer an option. Unless you are going for absolute authenticity. Seventy-five year old rubber is likely to be suspect for longterm use. Befriend a neighbor who owns a lathe. And, while he's at it, have him turn a full set. While you're at it, replace them all. Even a vocational school that offers machine shop might be worth a shot.

 

Metro Molded Rubber. Goggle, or Google, or whatever, it.

 

I'd believe that such a part should be fairly universal and not very specialized (and not very expensive). You probably could get rubber shackle bushings from other makes that fit.

Try Kanter Auto Parts and
www.restorationspecialties.com

 

I agree with Deuce Roadster, try the spring shop in town. Ceder Rapids should have at least one.

I'd start with Iowa welding and Suspension services http://www.superpages.com/bp/Cedar-...8081.1324420095246.24629474804&dls=true&bpp=4

 

Got my parts for my 47 Plymouth at: http://eatonsprings.com/
very helpful and had everything.

 

Looks like a good local shop for the OP

http://www.bing.com/local/details.aspx?lid=YN252x4975117&qt=yp&what=truck+spring+shops&where=Cedar+Rapids%2c+Iowa&s_cid=ansPhBkYp02&mkt=en-us&q=truck+spring+shops+in+Cedar+Rapids+Iowa&FORM=LARE

 

Well hopefully I can get some new views today and some new ideas. Went to all the local spring shops and nothing. Even Eaton told me they sell the springs but not the bushings! WTF?!

 

Have been thru this before. Check with the jeep/4wd/offroad suspension suppliers. Many of them list the dimensions for their bushings, since there is a whole lot of custom building in those kinda vehicles. they also have rubber, urethane, delrin, aluminum, and steel bushings. Search is your friend!

 

Are you telling folks you are working on a 1937 NaSH? If so, wrong answer. That scares off the counter jockeys. Gotta take MEASUREMENTS in to them. Any good spring shop willl have pages of bushings lited by ID-OD, hole diameters and width.

 

Is it a metal encased rubber bushing, or just a rubber bushing? Also the thickness of rubber bushings back then was a lot smaller than on modern stuff, and springs were not as wide, so it would not surprise me that you're having trouble finding what you need.


Of course if you provide us a picture and dimensions, we might could help you figure it out...

 

Yes, in which case a simple spring swap is in order.

But, I even found some oddball small diameter busings for a 37 Packard spring so there is hope!

 

When I buy a car or project car I will join the national club of that marque.
Cost me $20 to join the REO club after I bought my coupe.Get the club mag which lists parts vendors and private owners selling parts.
Most have online versions of the club magazine.Why hunt around hoping to find something that will work when a NOS Nash parts seller may have a original part in stock?
Here is the Nash club site.It has a large online classified section.
http://www.nashcarclub.org/

 

http://www.nolathane.com.au/catsize_bush.php

 

I went to the folks at Central Spring Service, in Tamaqua, PA to have some work done on the leaf springs for my 1948 Plymouth. They had the spring bushings on hand, and installed them. Don't remember the exact cost, but it was very reasonable. They don't seem to have a website, but a search on google will give you the contact information. It might be worth a phone call to ask them if they can help you. Good luck.

 

ID - .5", OD - 1.5", spring width 1.75"

Been a part of the Nash Club since I had the car. Their advice "make them on a lathe"...

 

Chech this site out http://www.eatonsprings.com/index.html

 

Check out my earlier post.... they don't sell the bushings!

 

Search Moog Bushings. 1 3/4" is narrower than newer stuff uses, my 54 Chevy is that size. 2" is common. find a 2" bushing and take an 1/8th off each side. Freeze first then turn down.

 

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/catalog/Rubber_Encased_Bushings-184-1.html

 

I can't offer any advice on the bushings but remember to buy that parts store after you win the lottery and make it a rule that all parts on the shelves must have one of their boxes open with a display part on top of it.

 

If You Are Not Sure Which Rubber Encased Leaf Spring Bushing Fits Your Application Then "Contact Us And Just Ask Bob" Our Toll Free Number. 1-888-943-8287

 

Have you looked at the suppliers in Hemmings Motor News?

 

Yup! I've done it all... ProEnfo is helping me out by turning some bushings! Thanks man!

 

http://www.egge.com/site/?d=48&dt=1&SubCategoryId=93

 

Been dealing w/these folks for the past 40yrs.
They repair & builds leaf springs for just about anything & carry all kinds of bushings.
St. Louis Spring Co.
3126 Samuel Shepard Dr, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 533-2132 ‎

 

I got the bushings for my Nash from a local spring shop. I brought the old ones with me and they just just matched the I.D. and the O.D. and then I had to trim the width. Cost me a third of what it would have been if I got them from a restoration company.