I've located my knocking noise to be these bushes flogged out in my prop shaft centre support, but have tried a few online sources and haven't come up with a part number or replacement part.

Highlighted is the part, which has two bushes in it, these need replacing as they have perished. I have removed the bushes and these look replaceable rather than the whole unit.

Would a possible upgrade be to replace this setup with a modern centre bearing support and custom bracket?

I'll be changing the gearbox support mounts at the same time as they are starting to deform, the universal joints are in good condition so the prop shaft will remain untouched if possible

 

These rubber bushes are available from Barratt's. Part # C25389

At first sight, they don't seem to fit the bracket, but it works out OK when pressed in. To that end, I had no difficulty in replacing them.

I'd suggest switching to another support bearing setup would be more trouble than its worth.

Whilst replacing mine, I checked the centre bearing itself, and sure enough it was cactus. The bearing is part # 250 and I'd recommend renewing it as a matter of course. The modern version is a sealed/lubricated for life item.

Cheers & beers!

 

Looks like my initial ability to search SNG barratt failed. Thanks for the part #

I might take a sample item to the local hardware store and see what rubber isolators they have, the gearbox mounts would be easy to replace, i'd rather it back on the road driveable this week rather than waiting however long to get parts from the USA.

Plus if I do place an order with them, I will get out of hand and order half a new car to fix all the numerous small little things it needs. Currently I just want it driveable so I can iron out any mechanical issues before deciding on what level of restoration I want to do on the old girl, rust repairs/paint/interior are all areas that need addressing

 

Yes, ordering parts from O/S is a bit of a trap, esp. with the postage costs these days. You tend to try & get the most bang for your buck with postage and u end up spending a motza! Accordingly, I always discard paid invoices!

The bushes themselves are slightly bigger than the frame holes i.e. have to be pressed in. Also require a centre hole for the spindle bolt, so finding something to suit may be be a long shot. Good luck!

 

I just got a Blackwoods catalogue, so I'll peruse that this evening and look for anything suitable, I'm pretty good at coming up with a solution from something random.

Rubber isolators will be suitable for the gearbox mounts, finding a harder density might be difficult compared to the normal ones offered, but i'm sure even ones from another model car would suit.

Having looked at the factory setup for the prop shaft centre support, i reckon I can find something that will be useable, even some hollow rubber tube in the same dimension will work, a bit of work on the lathe maybe.

All of this would be pointless is the support in Australia was larger and more readily accessible.