Were there any means used to keep the factory front stabilizer bar centered in the tub? I don't see anything. I did find the bar in my car had walked out toward the passenger side enough for the arm to contact and rub on the strut. No damage done, and a 2x4 and mallet were used to persuade it back evenly.

One of the aftermarket bars used hose clamps on the inside of the bar to keep it centered.

Sounds like something was out of alignment and or the bushing is shot.

Perhaps, but there is really no alignment variation that could force it outward short of a major tub twist. If it took 50 years for this to happen then its no big deal, but I'm sure the bushings (that do look old) and the links could stand to be renewed.

The short answer is no. I am not a fan of the stock drop links as they don't accomodate enough adjust-ability if you wan't to change the "stance' of the front end easily.

I used the Tarrett adjustable links with a stock bar. To keep the bar centered I bought some split collars from McMaster Carr when I had the tank out.

I suppose if or when I need to pull the tank I'll do that. Thanks.

Might just be that the bolts on the brakets grabbing the bar need to be tightened.