Last week my front swaybar pulled away from the frame, the culprit - frame rot. I presume this to be easily fixed with new metal and a welding machine.

I have noticed there are many different sizes of swaybar diameters available. I believe the front swaybar on my car is 7/8", should I consider changing the diameter size, and maybe most importantly - why. What gains/losses are related to swaybar diameter size?

It has been suggested I add a rear swaybar. Were any 1964 chevelles produced with a factory installed rear swaybar, or dealer installed option?

I would like to increase the handling and ride and still maintain a stock factory appearance.

Best Regards

Tom

There are a bunch of things to take into consideration. If you install a bigger front sway bar it will help control the roll of the car, but will make it understeer (push) more in the corners. If you add a rear bar with a bigger front bar it may make it more neutral depending on how big each bar is. If you add too big a rear bar then it will oversteer (loose) in the corners. Also with a rear bar, you tend to pickup the inside rear tire, and without posi, you can easily spin the inside rear in a tight corner. The old school thinking on handling was big bars, stiff springs, and stiff shocks. Now it depends, maybe softer springs with big bars to adjust the roll and shocks stiff enough to control the wheels in the bumps or stiffer springs, softer shocks, and just enough bar to control the roll that the stiff springs won't handle. As I said lots to think about here depending on just what you want the car to do for you. Just my thoughts GL

Thank you for your time and reply.

I would like to think I have restored the car to original for the pleasure of casual driving on nice sunny days. It is not a performance car all though I do enjoy going over the speed limit on the highway every now and then.

I do not like the rolling feeling I get when I turn a corner. Feels like I'm sliding to the left or right in my seat. One side of the car tends to rise the other fall.

This was most apparent when I removed the front swaybar all together last week when it pulled away from the frame.

You have provided me with a lot to consider.

Thank you,

Tom