We started by improving the...
We started by improving the front suspension. The PST antisway bar kit comes complete with everything you need: a gold cadmium bar, urethane end-links, bar brackets and bushings, and all of the hardware needed for installation. You will have to supply wrenches, an electric drill motor, and drill bits.
We secured the bar to the...
We secured the bar to the chassis for positioning with a pair of small C-clamps (hidden behind the frame). After measuring to the center of the frame for proper positioning, we made sure the end-link holes stopped at the edge of the lower A-frame.
After the bar was centered...
After the bar was centered and was at the correct distance from the front A-arms, we installed the sway-bar bracket over the bar and marked mounting-hole locations. We center-punched the locations and drilled the two holes for the U-bolt. The holes should be slightly larger than the diameter of the U-bolt.
The U-bolt has to be fed through...
The U-bolt has to be fed through the holes for proper alignment as shown in this photo. After the U-bolts were installed, we could bolt the bar to the frame.
The kit comes with two small...
The kit comes with two small L-brackets that have to be secured to the lower A-arm to connect to the sway bar end-links. Using the antisway bar as a reference, we marked the bracket-mounting location. Two holes were drilled, then the bracket was bolted to the A-arm.
We installed the end-link...
We installed the end-link and urethane bushings and they lined up perfectly.
In just an hour, we had the...
In just an hour, we had the front antisway bar mounted and ready to go. Thanks to the quality finish of the PST products, the sway bar will not only act as a stabilizer, it's also an attractive addition to the car.
The rear bar, which fastens...
The rear bar, which fastens to the axle housing, is designed with clearance for the centersection. The end-links will attach to the frame.
The antisway bar brackets...
The antisway bar brackets bolt to the axle housing as shown. Notice that all the parts are plated for an attractive appearance.
We found the easiest way to...
We found the easiest way to hook everything up was to hang the U-bolt on the axle and then slide the rest of the brackets over the bolt. We tightened the assembly slightly, but left it loose enough to move it on the axle housing.
The brackets actually mount...
The brackets actually mount to the rear of the car, so we positioned them and made sure they were centered from side to side. This is where you will need a little help from a friend. While one person holds the bar and brackets in place, the other one will have to tighten the bolts. Although the brackets are designed to be bolt-on, tack-welding the bracket to the axle housing is advisable.
Using the end of the bar for...
Using the end of the bar for reference, we had to determine where the end-link frame brackets had to be mounted. When the brackets were directly above the end of the bar, we marked the location for the bracket-bolt holes.
The frame brackets were secured...
The frame brackets were secured by a U-bolt that passes through the frame. The holes in the frame should be slightly larger than the diameter of the U-bolt.
The bracket was attached to...
The bracket was attached to the U-bolt, then the end-links were connected to finish the installation. With the front and rear sway bars and a lowered stance, this Chevy should be able to handle corners like a sports car.
I would imagine that a majority of R&C readers have owned or driven a tri-year Chevy at one time or another. They've always been popular cars and, at least here in California, you were the big-man-on-campus if you owned one in high school. My high-school ride was a bright yellow '57 Chevy hardtop and I was very happy with how the car rode and handled--happy because I didn't know any better!
Since my high-school days, I've owned some really great-handling cars, so when I got a chance to drive my friend's '55 Chevy on Americruise, I was amazed at how poorly the old car handled. I was driving the car through the Rockies on the way to Denver and had to slow down to a crawl around the sweeping corners because of excessive body roll and a feeling the car would lose traction at any time. My first question to the owner was, "Did you put antisway bars on this thing?" The reply was "no," but he planned to when he got it back home.
The nice thing about tri-year Chevys is that plenty of top-quality companies are making parts for them and that includes antisway bars. During the buildup of the '57 Chevy we've been featuring, one of the chassis improvements we made was installing Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) front and rear sway bar kits. The kits come complete with all of the parts you need and easy-to-follow instructions. With careful testing, PST found the perfect bar size to stabilize the body roll without making the ride harsh. You get the nice ride characteristics of a tri-year Chevy, and the cornering ability of a new Z28. If you are in the process of building a tri-year, we suggest that you invest in a set of antisway bars. You'll be glad you did. The only rock 'n' rolling you need is what's on the radio.