Need advice re: SWB Suspension Bushings

[Porsche Rescue]

I need to replace the spring plate bushings on my '66. Original goal was stock. Learned that is not possible since new OE spring plates are NLA. Next option is to buy bushings, however choices are very limited according to the various catalogs I have seen. Several options for LWB cars but few for SWB.
Has anyone with a 65-68 car dealt with this, and can you recommend type/source for bushings?

While on the subject of suspension, I also need new front control arm bushings. Rear pair are $375 ea, OE. Fronts are typical price. Is there a solution for front control arm bushings short of spending $750? Nothing in catalogs for SWB cars.

Then there is question of front strut inserts. OE Boge is NLA. Is Koni at $160 ea. only choice? My hope was to return suspension to 1966 condition but it looks like a major compromise is in order. I see hard bushings and stiff shocks in my future. All advice appreciated.

[HarryD]

Mr Rescue,

Dave Hillman did a replacement for his '66 912. you might want to try his web site (http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/bushings.html and http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/elephant01.html).

[NeunElf]

I replaced the rear suspension bushings on my '65 two or three years ago. I think I ordered the bushings from Stoddards. As I recall, everything was available, but there are certain front bushings that cost a fortune.

Unlike the long wheelbase cars, the bushings are NOT vulcanized to the suspension pieces. If you're looking for replacement suspension arms (as you would for a long wheelbase car) you'll be pleased to know all you ned to buy are the bushings.

[Porsche Rescue]

Thanks Jim. I checked my PET and did find part #'s for inner and outer SWB spring plate bushings. The diagram showed them separate from the plate, unlike the LWB diagram. Called local dealer and inner was available at $17 each from warehouse in Atlanta (a 644 xxx xxx 356 part number). Outer part # was apparently a spring plate with bushing, available from Germany at $750 EACH. I will call Stoddard to see if they have a different answer.

[hoffman912]

i would go with elephant racing bushings, as they will fit a swb (at least i know the sp bushings will, i suspect the fronts should)

there are other choces for struts avaiolable (like kyb), but they have a bad rep of not lasting too long. id stick with koni's


stay away from catalogues. not a big fan. id rather talk to my parts guy get his oppinion and expertese, and not deal with someone whose just an order taker making minimum wage.

try Classic and Speed parts. (626) 445-0108

will pringle is a great guy, nice as they come, and very knowledgeable. he wont bull **** you and wont try to sell you stuff you dont need. great custom, some nla and oem parts specialising in early 912's and 911's.

[studeb]

Look in the catalogs from Mid america, Tweeks and maybe Pelican.
For the rear bushings, there are two choices of bushing hardness available and its an easy install.
For the front bushings you are in $ trouble, Elephant has the market cornered.
There is an article on the web about altering later bushing to fit the early A arms. The rear bushing ID must be made larger on a lathe, and the front ID and OD must be shrunk (the guy cut a slit the length of the bushing then closed it up when he installed the front bushing).
Sorry i can't help with the shocks.

[Porsche Rescue]

Thanks all. I found rubber bushings from Gabe at Strasse. Haven't seen them yet but he assures me they will do the job. I will talk with Jason at Paragon about shocks. Front control arm bushings are the next challenge. I may just replace the forward pair for now.