Gearshift control rod bushing defective for 48 DeSoto.

[MarcDeSoto]

I bought a control rod bushing for my 48 DeSoto from Bernbaum's and the problem is it is made out of hard rubber, just like most all the other rubber being made today.  The bushing is installed by pushing it over larger tapered piece, so it has to flex a bit to get over the hump.  But this bushing is rock hard, so when I tried pressing it on with my vise, it just split in two.  My questions are does anyone else make this part in soft rubber.  And, can I use this bushing as is with it split in two?  Marc.

[pflaming]

I put in a rubber grommet in the rod end from Ace. It is only a snug fit for noice control. Nothing special about it. 

[MarcDeSoto]

Did it fit right?  What do I ask for at ACE hardware?  Marc

[MarcDeSoto]

I fixed the break in the bushing, but what good is it if I can't put the control rod looped end on the bushing.  The rubber just needs to be soft and pliable to fit it in!  

[Sam Buchanan]

Maybe put the bushing in the loop first, then grease up the taper and insert it into the bushing?

 

I suspect that is the correct order of assembly to prevent splitting the bushing.

Edited February 3, 2022 by Sam Buchanan

[MarcDeSoto]

You can't put the bushing into the rod loop first because if the bushing is firm it won't go in.  The bushing has to be soft rubber.

[RobertKB]

This is where good used parts come into play. Maybe put an ad in the classified forum. Any cars I part out I always keep the rubber parts if they are decent. I had a good spare one of these but I used it on my ‘48 project so I am not trying to sell anything on this forum. Lots of members no doubt have parts cars though. Just my thoughts. 
 

Also, if the rubber piece is hard, it can be softened up by warming it with a heat gun. A slippery lubricant also helps. Forcing anything to fit by brute force usually ends in failure. 

Edited February 4, 2022 by RobertKB

[LazyK]

there is also the option of replacing the bushing and loop with a heim joint. someplace here on the forums there are photos of a member doing it.

[marty mopar]

if they sent you a reproduction or an NOS item that was hard due to it's age then have them see if they have any that are soft....I'd get your $ back on that part too.

[MarcDeSoto]

I don't think this bushing is NOS.  NOS would be soft still.  I was amazed when I took my body off the chassis and found that most of my body mount rubber was still soft after 74 years!  It's hard to find good rubber today because it's made in China of hard plastic, not rubber.  I've heard that Steele is the place to go to get good rubber, but they don't sell this particular bushing.  

Edited February 5, 2022 by MarcDeSoto

[MarcDeSoto]

I'm wondering if I can make my own bushing using some kind of silicone.  I could squeeze the tube around the part.  Then put the control rod loop on it.  What do you think?  

[MarcDeSoto]

I found this "how to" video on Youtube about how this guy fixed some bushings on his old Subaru.  Maybe something like this would work?  

 

 

[wagoneer]

I fixed the same bushing using AB too; it was a PITA but I pushed it over eventually. 
 

I think putting it under a heat lamp or warm oven, and softening the rubber a bit will give you the necessary elasticity . Not long, just a little bit so the rubber stretches ever so little to get over the taper and then it will cool into place.

 

the hard rubber gives the bushing longevity 

[MarcDeSoto]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is AB?  

[Sniper]

Andy Bernbaum = AB

 

I usually put rubber bushings like that in a bucket of hot soapy water.  But all these tricks surely weren't used on the assembly line?