Body mounts Pre/Post 1972
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 85
Likes: 7
From: UK
Body mounts Pre/Post 1972
Im in the process of changing all of my body mounts on my 72 Coupe and notice the 73 onward cars have rubber or poly mounts as opposed to the solid aluminium ones used on the earlier cars. So my question is... Will the later rubber/poly ones fit earlier cars? and are there any advantages of using these instead of the OEM solid aluminium ones?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,412
Likes: 1,823
From: Apple Valley, MN
You can install the rubber (they are NOT poly) mounts on the 68-72 but they will raise the body up about 1/2”. While the bumper brackets have enough adjustment to compensate, the biggest issue is the alignment of the steering column to the rag joint.
GM redesigned the frame mount pads to compensate for the increased mount thickness. Theoretically, you could change those on your car but that is a lot of work and you’d need to lift the body up off the frame for access.
I did this on my 69 but am returning to the original aluminum (aluminum) pucks as the raised body results in exposing my side exhaust.
The benefits of the cushions are an improvement in perceived ride quality.
GM redesigned the frame mount pads to compensate for the increased mount thickness. Theoretically, you could change those on your car but that is a lot of work and you’d need to lift the body up off the frame for access.
I did this on my 69 but am returning to the original aluminum (aluminum) pucks as the raised body results in exposing my side exhaust.
The benefits of the cushions are an improvement in perceived ride quality.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 608
Likes: 64
From: Lake Villa,IL
I replaced my deteriorated aluminum with brand new rubber on my '71. I had the body off and thought it was as good a time as any. I had no issues with the bumpers or the steering column when I put the body back on. I did put in a Borgeson steering box and a solid u-joint coupler instead of the rag joint they provided. I figured the car rides rough enough so why not ease that a little by using rubber instead of the solid mounts. My car is not done yet, so I haven't had it on the road, but I'm sure it was a good choice.
