General
LRO Show 2022 – Roundup!
Another LRO Show has passed and Polybush has completed another live demo!
Another year has passed and another big build was completed at the LRO Show Peterborough
Swapping a chassis on a 25-year-old Defender is hard, especially when you consider a two-day deadline, the weather, and completing it in front of a live audience in a field!
Owned by Peter (a design engineer for Polybush) and used as a proper workhorse around a farm just as it was intended by Land Rover!
Used by Peter for nearly 20 years, Red (The Defender) really does get worked, It’s now a classic and very original, so it doesn’t go green laning or drive through mud bogs.
However, the nature of its role does mean it needs to cross vast farmlands with gear in tow. As the Manic Mechanics have to move everything to a new Galvanised chassis, it made sense to also service the diffs, replace the brakes and install new suspension (up front, as the rears had recently been replaced) as well as install a new clutch since the engine and its gearbox etc had to be removed and refitted as part of the course this would of course take extra time and at the expense of potentially not driving the defender for parade lap, but ultimately, worth the extra stress.
The chassis swap itself sounds like a big task and it is! Disconnecting the wiring loom, brakes, draining fluid and and taking off the front clip took up the morning of day one, then it was all hands on deck to remove the body which required a little heat, WD40 and a lot of sweat and strain to take off.
Removal of the body took approximately 10 people, as we were attempting this with limited space there was a lot of fanangling that required extra eyes, once this was removed, the body was taken outside and then the mammoth task of servicing the diffs, installing an entire new brake system, Polybushing the Defender then putting it all back together.
Land Rover originally specified 65a shore bushes for comfort and maximum articulation, so fitting a set of Comfort bushings that match that OE hardness will be in keeping with the vehicle in terms of ride and feel, but will also have the benefits associated with Polybush products.
Due to their material, Polybush does not age like rubber nor does it suffer from compression-set, which makes them perfect for off-roading or where suspension alignment is key as well as when vehicles will be laid-up for longer periods of time – Moreover, Polybush is also completely unaffected by oil and fuel which is perfect for incontinent classics who like the mark their territory. Polybush also require no special tools to install so anyone with a basic set of tools can install, even at the side of the road / trail, very handy when you’re in a field.
Once the suspension parts, diffs and brakes were installed on the new chassis, the team moved onto the clutch and flywheel replacement.
As Peter truly uses his Defender and the engine was out, it really was the perfect time to get this upgrade underway – still on it’s original clutch and the replacement took longer than hoped due to the nearly 25 year old bolts fighting hard to stay put, but as it is such a critical component the Manic Mechanics really dug in and pushed to get it done, all the while answering audience questions on the replacement.
Once the clutch, gearbox and transfer box were all back together the team stopped working on their individual jobs and came together to lift the drivetrain back into the new chassis then again to lift the body into its new home and bolt it all back together.
The body itself went on the chassis fairly easily but due to the nature of a nice new straight chassis and a pre-loved body, some adjustment was required to align and adjust to fit.
The team worked extremely hard, especially during the last hours of the show so that the Defender was in a rollable condition for their parade lap around the Land Rover Owner International Show.
Managing to build a rolling chassis in 16 hours was a HUGE feat of planning, pateince and skill so we’d like to thank all of the Manic Mechanics especially Gary, as well as Sam Colman (our MC) for taking their time to work flat out over a weekend to help another Land Rover owner complete the almost impossible
We can’t wait to do it all again next year.
To see all Land Rover products click here!
LRO SHOW 2022
Polybush is excited to be one of the sponsors of the LRO Show and once again team up with the Manic Mechanics to return a much-loved, 25-year-old working Defender back to its former glory.
The Defender has been owned for nearly 20 years by our design engineer Peter – So, very much ready for a bit of TLC.
The Manic Mechanics will be swapping out Peter’s old chassis, brakes, suspension and clutch, as well as installing a full set of Polybushes, so if you would like to pick up tips and tricks needed to work on your Land Rover, make sure to drop by the Polybush tent.
NEW PRODUCT: MX5 Exhaust Mount Bushes
Polybush MX5 Exhaust Mount Bushes
The main selling point of the Mazda MX5 was and is FUN, so when fuel, oil or just old age corrodes Exhaust Mount Bushes the fun can disappear quickly, and an early sign of failing bushes is exhaust knocks and rattles, the ultimate failure being an exhaust dragging on the floor!
STOP THAT RATTLE – Save your exhaust!
Our resident MX5 owner & Polybush employee, Ellis Blackman noted “I had a small oil leak which I didn’t do too much about initially, a few weeks later I had the car on jack stands and whilst I was investigating the source, I noticed some oil along the exhaust towards the bushes, upon closer inspection the bushes were cracked and stretched, one of the exhaust bushes had already snapped so it was inevitable that I was going to have a failure, I’m so glad my exhaust didn’t fall off when I was driving and that I could replace the parts at home”
27AU & 27AT Exhaust bushes
We have been selling exhaust bushes which fit the MK1 MX5 through MX5Parts for a long time, so a range expansion for the best selling sports car of all time seemed like a no brainer.
The new exhaust bushes we have created fit across a wide range of MX5 models ranging from the MK2 (NB) all the way through to the MK4. (ND) Not just reserved for upgraded exhaust systems/vehicles our bushes have been designed to be an OEM replacement but provide a longer-lasting bush that reduces flex in the exhaust system, as Polybush products remain unaffected by road contaminants, oil and fuel, you can keep driving without worry.
Mk2 & 2.5, 1998>2005 – Fitment
Three on the rear box and one on the centre pipe 27AU
Mk3, 3.5 & 3.75 models, 2005>2015 – Fitment
There are two available sizes on the MK3 MX5. The right hand rear, left hand front and centre pipe rubbers are the smaller type 27AT and the right hand front and left hand rear are the larger type 27AU
Mk4 & RF, 2016> +124 Spider – Fitment
Four on the rear box only 27AU
Fitting on every model of MX5 from mk2 onward including the Fiat 124 spider, these exhaust bushes will outlast rubber and allow you to enjoy your car year-round.
For other MK1 MX5 Bushes – CLICK HERE
For other MK2 MX5 Bushes – CLICK HERE
For other MK3 MX5 Bushes – CLICK HERE
For other MK4 MX5 Bushes – CLICK HERE
NEW PRODUCT: VW Transporter T5 & T6 Polybush Kit 211
FOR WORK OR LEISURE.
As we have created Polybush kits for all VW Transporters, from the T25 onward, it made sense to carry that vision through for the T5 & T6.
Transporters are used in many different ways, so creating a part that satisfied everyone can be a tough job, but not for us!
Leisure customers crave comfort, Commercial customers crave longevity – All want a great value product that reduces costs, outlasts rubber and provides safer, more predictable handling.
Now ready for sale Polybush has improved upon O.E – Giving the benefits all craved, fitment allows a more controlled suspension movement, so vehicles gain improved turn-in & stability through corners and windy roads. Our bushes also last 4-5 times longer than the original parts and are unaffected by Oil, Fuel & Road contaminants. So no matter if your van is full of tools or a fully converted campervan, revolutionise your ride!
Anti Roll Bar Bushes
Key to keeping your vehicle stable and reducing body roll during fast cornering & road irregularities. Replacment with Polybush Anti Roll Bar (ARB) Bushes increase the Anti Roll Bar connection to the opposite (left / right) wheels, so as you corner, the wheels are pushed into the tarmac, increasing vehicluar safety and grip.
FEEDBACK FROM DEVELOPMENT VEHICLES!
Through the development stage of this product, we worked with Mark one of our casting foremen who uses his T5 as a family car, for him, value for money and comfort are the top priority.
“The van handles much better and is a lot less wallowy, it’s not harsh at all! We’ve particularly noticed the handling and comfort benefits of the installation when we’re driving down twisty backroads – Other than comfort, another great benefit is that my tyres are lasting a lot longer and at £250 a corner it all helps!”
We also worked with Dave, a local plumber who uses his van soley for work “Using my van as a workhorse, reliability is the key for me, swapping to Polybush has transformed my van, I didn’t think it could get comfier, but it has! The van is so much less boaty when i’ve got a full bathroom set in the back. I’m very impressed!”
Nearly one year on from bush fitment, the bushes look like new.
To see Transporter T5/T6 products – CLICK HERE
To see all VW prodcts – CLICK HERE
NEW PRODUCT : Discovery 5 L462 – Range Rover Sport L494 & L405
Keeping cars on the road is what we do!
1DU – Originally developed to combat front lower arm bush failures on Discovery 5 L462 and Range Rover Sport L494 & L405
Talking with Land Rover repair centres and owners, we discovered that the Front Lower Arm Bush was an item that constantly failed. This problematic bush was unavailable separately and had to be purchased as part of an arm, raising repair costs significantly, especially as bushes would fail at sub 30,000 miles.
Failures cause a knocking sound when accelerating & braking along with vague handling – A Polybush upgrade was something that the Land Rover market was begging for, being that the vehicles themselves are pinnacles of British luxury, when there’s a noise and there shouldn’t be, it can be very concerning.
During the development of the Front Lower Arm Bush we chatted with the owners of our development vehicles and noted that there was also an improvement to be made on other bushes within the suspension system, through careful research and analysis we have made significant upgrades over stock. Upgrading to Polybush Polyurethane bushings allows for a more controlled suspension movement, this allows your vehicle to keep its alignment through corners and over bumps, keeping the comfort this marque is known for. Fitment also reduces tyre costs and as our bushes last 4-5 times longer than the standard rubber, we offer a truly fit and forget solutution.
Polybush KIT 203 (For Range Rover L405) & Polybush KIT 204 (For Discovery L462 & Range Rover L494)
Unlike Rubber, Polybush products are unaffected by oil, fuel and road contaminants which provides safer and more predictable handling for worry-free motoring.
The problem bush 1DU:
Full Vehicle Kit:
KIT 203 (For Range Rover L405)
KIT 204 (For Discovery L462 & Range Rover L494)
NEW: MX5 Door Bushes
A better-fitting door bush helps your MX5 overcome rattles and become a more structural part of your car!
We at Polybush have taken on-board feedback from Mazda specialists and MX5 owners (Including our very own Ellis Blackman owner of the car photographed) to develop a door bush that is not only a structural upgrade but also in keeping with OEM looks.
27AS – MX5 Door Bush (All Years) Fitted to a MK1 MX5
Being a convertible, there is very little structure connecting the front and the back of the car, so during corners and when hitting bumps, the two halves of the vehicle can move relative to each other causing rattles in the door, doorcard, dash & other interior items, by swapping out the original rubber bushing to Polybush’s Door Bush, we can make the doors a more structural part of the vehicle – Increaseing torsional rigidity and the cars rigidity overall.
The original rubber part offered by Mazda was a soft rubber that wears away over time, futher opening the gap between the two peices, reducing rigidity and increasing vibration. Though originally a great part to isolate noise, vibration and harshness, it did not offer a lot of structure to the vehicle.
Installing the our Door Bush significantly reduces the long known flex within the door enclosure, as our bush fits snugly into the door cup it allows a connection between the body and the door – Reducing rattles whilst also increasing audio quality and offering a satisfying and less tinny door closure. Though still designed to work with OEM botls, our bushes do come with replacment bolts so it is very much a “bolt on” upgrade.
Manufacturing the bushes from Polyurethane rather than a material like Delrin allows for easier fitment as there is now no need to cut down or sand the bush to suit, simply unbolt your old bushes, install the Polybush upgrade, shut the door gently to self align the part, then tighten to spec.
Our bushes fit all marks and all years of Mazda MX5, to purchase yours – CLICK HERE
To view all Mazda Bushes – CLICK HERE
To view Mazda products from our premium reseller MX5Parts – CLICK HERE
Commercial Vehicle Show – 2022
We are exhibiting at the Commercial Vehicle Show
Stand 5G96
At Polybush we understand that unplanned downtime costs money.
According to data from the DVSA, 25% of vans will fail their first MOT test at three years, most commonly for issues with lighting, brakes, tyres and suspension systems!
Polybushes are designed to put up with the strain of heavy loads and uneven/rough terrain, typically lasting 4/5 times longer than OE bushes – keeping your vehicle off the ramp and on the road.
Our bushes are made to meet the challenges rubber parts can’t, Polybushes are not only unaffected by road contaminants, oil, fuel and UV, they actually prolong tyre life as our bushings help keep alignment significantly better than rubber counterparts. Our bushes are easily fitted and then simply forgotten about.
Working with companies all around the world, Polybushes are designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK.
So what are you waiting for, visit Stand 5G96.
Triumph TR6 – Suspension rebuild, Live at the Practical Classics Restoration Show
There was much to see and do at the Practical Classics Restoration Show, but one of our favourite things was the live suspension rebuild of Wayne Scott’s Triumph TR6.
Wayne drove his TR6 to the NEC for the rebuild and hoped to drive it home afterwards.
Steve, Wayne and Phil’s plan was to remove the late 60’s suspension and bring it back up to date with an upgrade kit from Koni, combined with a full complement of Polybushes, some new brake lines, underseal, drive shafts and a few other small parts – if you’re under there, why not do it all!
The trio hoped to get the TR6 back on the road ready for Wayne’s drive home on Sunday evening, so with 2 days to complete this upgrade with a live audience, they certainly had their work cut out for them.
As with all adjustments on classic cars, competing with rust, general age, lack of copper slip and in this case no power tools, makes for an interesting and very realistic swap and was ideal for the audience to watch and interact with.
Once all old parts were removed and space created, Wayne, Phil and Steve meticulously cleaned, prepped and painted the chassis.
When completed they made their way onto the harder job of removing the 60-year-old, extremely perished bushes, ready for the fitment of our Blue 65A Comfort Polybush’s All marques of triumph bushes are available, if you’d like your own, click here!
As Wayne’s car is something to be enjoyed on a sunny day, Wayne wanted a factory fresh feel with all the benefits of Polyurethane – Resistance to oil, coolant, road contaminants, UV and compression set, but not a performance upgrade, which is also available should you race or want to push the car to its limits.
Once all of the Polybushes were fitted to their respective arms the team was ready to put it all back together again, combined with the above-mentioned upgrades, everything was on track. During the fitment demonstration, Wayne talked through how to install the new Polybushses and recommended that when fitting Polybush components you DO NOT use greases, which can trap dirt, but rather a lubricant that will evaporate off, such as salt-free dish soap, or tyre soap.
As you can see there are huge changes when converting your Triumph from lever arm suspension over to a more up to date telescopic damper, these lever arms were fantastic in their day, but the new suspension systems excel in a multitude of ways, especially when considering their adjustability.
On Sunday afternoon after replacing the suspension, anti-roll bar, steering rack and diff bushes as well as a chassis paint, brake line replacement and a whole host of other upgrades the team was excited to drop the car back on its own wheels in preparation for its drive home in the hours to come.
All in all the live demonstration was a hit with the public as well as the trade, showing a real insight into what goes into looking after a classic car.
Polybush would like to thank Steve Denton, Wayne Scott and Phil Pope for their tireless efforts as well as Rimmer Brothers for going above and beyond to make sure this car had all the parts it required during its live rebuild.
A big thank you to all that came and we hope to see you again next year.
Practical Classics – Classic Car & Restoration Show – NEC
If you’re a fan of classic and future classic cars, head on down to the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC, from the 18th to the 20th of March.
We will be exhibiting at Stand 5-209 and are excited to walk you through our products, showing you the difference between our grades and why we pick certain combinations for different vehicles – Polyurethane is not just a hard material that is suited only to Racing, we also refine and tweak it to give comfort, grip and as well as being immune to compression set, it’s also unaffected by oil, fuel and other chemicals.