65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!

Drivetrain => Differentials, Axles & Brakes => Topic started by: WkillGS on March 29, 2009, 11:01:56 AM

Title: Centerlink
Post by: WkillGS on March 29, 2009, 11:01:56 AM
I've searched for HOURS!
I found Moog and McQuay-Norris bars on O'Reilly's site.... Ordered them only to have the orders cancelled as the bars were no longer available.

Only ones I could find are some off-brand ones from Rare Parts, Southwest Speed and Classic Performance.
I suspect the major manufacturers have discontinued production???

Part numbers:
Moog, TRW, McQuay-Norris, Elgin: DS740
NAPA: 272-4039
Rare Parts 25795

Does anyone have a source for a quality piece? or do have to resort to an off-brand?
Thanks.

Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: dsags on March 29, 2009, 11:44:42 AM
Parts Place lists one for 64-67. Part # SU3893Z. Description says (1964 - 1967 Skylark/GS/Regal/GN) CENTER LINK 7/8" (GM # 5698848. INTERCHANGES WITH TRW OR MOOG DS 740). $89. Give them a call to see if its a quality piece.
Would a Chevelle piece fit ? They are 7/8" and ought to be available.
If you are really desperate call Collectors Auto Supply (BIG $$). 888-772-7848. Their site lists centerlinks as available but call for pricing.
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: Loren At 65GS on March 29, 2009, 01:00:38 PM
" Call for priceing"
Is that anything like " market price" on  a menu for seafood?  Or do they want to check the room on your credit card?

Just asking.
Loren
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: Chris on March 29, 2009, 03:29:37 PM
Loren,

I think it may translate to "we don't want to run you off by showing you the price now"

That's how I always read it and I using continue onto another vendor.

 ;D

Chris
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: Loren At 65GS on March 29, 2009, 03:34:03 PM
On the other hand, if the price is that high , they will most likely not run out.

Loren
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: WkillGS on March 29, 2009, 09:21:26 PM
Thanks for the responses.
The off-brands are about $90. I bet most vendors are selling those. Summit is out of stock for 2 more weeks.
The Moog was $125 (not avail), and the Rare Parts is $166 from Autozone, $181 from NAPA.
I'm leaning towards the SW Speed as they offer same-day shipping for $10. I expect my other Moog parts from Rockauto and Amazon this week. I want this car on the road in a month!
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: Mark Ascher on April 02, 2009, 07:50:18 AM
Walt,

I was looking at Fusick Olds. They have the DS 740 listed @139.00.
Might be worth a call. They have lots of other bits useful for a Buick restoration.
They have a downloadable/printable catalog.

www.fusick.com

Mark
Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: WkillGS on April 02, 2009, 08:26:00 AM
Thanks Mark, I'll have to look into it.
I did order one from Southwest speed, should be here Friday. They are a race-car supply company, so I expect it to be of decent quality.
I stopped in 4 local parts stores, they had less info than I did.
I called The Parts Place...no info. PY has one made by Packard (never heard of them), and Ground up sells the Rare Parts one for $129, which is a good price.
I often buy from the other A-body suppliers. I see several vendors at the Carlisle swap meet....Ground Up, Lutty's, Fusick, Ames, and Performance Years. I get the chance to see the products before I buy and save on shipping costs.


Title: Re: Centerlink
Post by: WkillGS on May 07, 2009, 09:42:45 AM
Update...
I did get the centerlink from Southwest Speed. I'd give it an 'okay' rating.
Compared to the original, the surface finish is much rougher. I actually went at it with a fine grinder disk to smooth it out before I painted it. Looks nice now! ;D
Construction looks adequate. It does have grease fittings so it should not wear out like the originals do.
Not a bad piece for $90, but we don't have too many options. If Ground Up really does have the Rare Parts piece for $129, that may be a nicer part at a much higher price.
Ideally, I'd like to have my original rebuilt. That way I can preserve stuff like the date-code stamps! :D

Oh, I did manage to score a NOS Moog bar on ebay.
One of these days I'll get some pics up to share.