frame/suspension rebuild and glass

[wheelcoversforall]

I'm currently reconditioning the frame and suspension of one of my 'other' Forward Look cars (1958 De Soto) and thought, since you're all such a nice group of people, someone could tell me if they've ever replaced the front torsion bar bushings, bottom control arm bushings or the front leaf spring bushings. None of these seem to be easily available or accessible and I have no reason to believe mine are unusable. I know the cars are different, but I think there are enough similarities to make any information you give, useful.

Anyone with experience with this, please help.

Also, anyone with experience getting large glass (windshield, rear glass) shipped FROM a private individual to you? I've found lots of glass that I need, but it is all across the country from me, owned by someone that has no clue how to get it to me, UPS/USPS don't seem interested, and I'm getting frustrated and have broken/missing glass for several Forward Look cars.

Thanks in advance for any help and 'hi' to anyone I met in Carlisle last summer.

Jeffrey

[Dick Koch]

Hi Jeffrey - I have a 1960 Desoto 4 dr. Sedan and was able to get all the front suspension bushings, ball joints, etc. from my local NAPA dealer. Try them first otherwise Kanter Auto Products should have everything you need. 76 Monroe St. Boonton, N.J. 07005.
Tel. 973-334-9575
Fax. 973-334-5423
www.kanter.com

Can not help you with the glass problem.
Good Luck,
Dick Koch

[big m]

Most of the reproduction windshield outfits will ship their product, but the price for a spanking new windshield is sometimes cost prohibitive. I gave up shipping large glass items several years ago, due to carelessness in the shipping business. I have built plywood crates and had them sent back with fork holes in the side from the shipper, and each time, I lost out as the shipper said it was poorly packaged. Many of my customers have a friend that is a trucker or knows a traveling businessperson that can pick these items up, and much more care is taken to get the glass to the buyer safely. ---John

[wheelcoversforall]

Thanks for the information you've given. Anyone else have an answer to the glass question? I'm still at a loss when it is owned by a private individual.

Also, what I'd really like information on is anyone who has replaced the lower control arm bushings/front torsion bar bushings? Notice a difference after they were installed? Difficult to install? Usually in good shape, usually destroyed? Thanks in advance for any information you can give.

Thanks again,

Jeffrey

[rogerh]

nope, I havent done the suspension but I vote for NAPA, then Kanter, just as Dick advises.
As for windshields, since you need several, maybe you can work a deal with a "local" (Wyoming?) glass dealer who can order up three or four and have them sent professionally at his risk to his shop