Cal 2-29 Rudder repair needed

[PJDSailor]

I was working on cleaning my prop in the yard yesterday when I noticed a larger gap between the rudder and hull than I recalled. I was able to lift the rudder straight up almost 1/2". Climbing into the locker I noted a shiny top 1/2" of the rudder shaft showing below the deck and I could not see a thrust bearing between the clamp ring below the quadrant(actually full circle), and the top of the rudder tube. I think the thrust bearing which should occupy this space has finally worn away completely after only 37 years of use. Well I know the next job on the priority list. I assume a new thrust bearing could be fabricated in Delrin or better yet UHMW polyethelene. Has anyone reading this been through this maintenance and able to offer advice or insight?

Paul
Cal 2-29 Callisto
CPYC Winthrop, MA