HonestDave

I'm pulling apart a 65 Cutlass chassis. I've noticed the front sway bar looks pretty thick. On a lot of my old GM cars (late fifties, early sixties)I've found the 6 cyl cars came with no front sway bar. Just wondering if the 65 f-85 6 cyl cars were the same with Olds. Would the Cutlass front sway be desired for another type? Maybe Chevelles or other A-bodies came with no front stabilizer bar, or maybe a thinner one.
Trying to decide whether I should take it off or not. Anyone know about this intriguing possibility .

stan 65 cutlass

my car has none,it was an option, also have a rear swaybar on that thing?

HonestDave

Hi Stan,
No rear sway bar. I've got to buy one for the 442, as it's missing. Have you got a front one on your parts car for the Cutlass, or do you want me to save this one for you?
Is it like the old Chevs, where you have to actually change the lower control arms as well?

stan 65 cutlass

i guess i do have a front one, found this pic of odd chalk marks i found on my car, yes the rears have need the boxed lower control arms to mount a sway bar, your 442 will have em if still original


IMG_3577.jpg

Run to Rund

In 66, there were 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 and 15/16" front bars with the lightest being on Buick 6 cyl, and the heaviest on 4-4-2. I don't know if 65s had that much variety.

HonestDave

Thanks, good to know. Might measure this one and see what thickness.

HonestDave

Do we know for sure if a car could be ordered without a front sway bar, or would a six cyl have got at least the thinest one?

Carlos Ochoa

I have a good 65 cutlass that was a v6 but. Who ever had it put in a olds 455 motor so I just check the cars fram because I want to make a limited slep and I saw the frame looks very week is stright and good just looks lil week do I have to get it reinforced? And around how much would that cost?

HonestDave

I wouldn't think the frame would be any different on a V6 car than any other 65 Cutlass, but I could be wrong. I've heard the radiator supports are different, but I think the frames should be strong enough. If you're just adding a limited slip rear end I don't imagine it adds that much stress to the frame. The 455 might be a bit of a pickle, though. Perhaps one of the members who is more familiar with this issue will spot this thread and give you a more expert opinion.