Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

adding the cost of steele products body mounts for the 55/56, it comes to over 500 bucks.

anyone know of any universal mounts that are roughly the same size?

i came across some for a 55 chevy on ebay...but no idea the specs or if they would work. seems chevy and packard were similar in parts, but not all. If the ebay ones were close, buying 2 sets worth would be cheaper then the steele product.

just having a hard time coughing up 500 bucks for rubber.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/55-57-Chevy-Hardtop-Rubber-Frame-to-Body-Mount-Bushing-Cushion-Set-/251232030340

You might luck out with some general cushions from MMPhttp://www.metrommp.com/?f=part_list_by_type&Type=Body%20Cushions

If that doesn't work, you can always do what I had to do before Steel started making them. Some PVC pipe cut to size and a few hours work. Pour your own using one of the urethane rubber compounds. Crude as my production was, they seem to still be holding the body in position.

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Henry,

Are the Packard pads all rubber, or do they have a steel insert? Does the parts book list the pad height?

Have you checked the other Packard vendors?

the thick pad has a steel insert. and a lip.

the thin pad does not.

i believe the thick is 2" outside diameter x 3/4" inner diameter x 3/4" wide.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390417658898?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

the thin pad is 2" round by 1/2" thick rubber.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390391155526?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

here are the steele rubber products.

i worked it out to be 20 thick and 22 thin. i could be over on the number. better to be over and not need more.

this one from MMP is very close to the thick one from steele at about half the price per unit.
http://www.metrommp.com/?f=type_detail&ModelNumber=BC%205%2DO&Type=Body%20Cushions

Howard, if i cannot find something cheaper, i will look into making my own. where did you get the rubber product and was it cheap enough?

At the time I used a Devcon product called Flexane 80 but there are many more options available now in several different hardness levels. I used 80A which is a tad hard -- about like a rubber heel. Not much offerings then but if doing it again, would probably go for a 70A -- more like a tire tread. No idea what the original rubber spec was.

Reynolds and others have many formulations to offer. I would think you could do the whole car with two or 3 of the trial size. Roughly $75-100.http://www.reynoldsam.com/Urethane-Rubber-an/c6/index.html

Grainger sells it too

Used it for my tl bushings

i think what i'm goign to do is order energy suspensions part number 3.4120G even if i have to order 2 kits to get all the bushings i need...its still cheaper and it comes with new sleeves and washers.

i'll order it at autozone, so if it doesn't work out i have an easy way to return it, no questions asked.

and if the "thicker" bushing isn't the same size as the steele 3/4"...i can add washers. i'm guessing it has to be pretty precise or the fenders and grille and stuff wont line up right.

idk...if it works...its a cheap alternative, and at this point i'm all about that.

Not sure if these prices are current but Kanter also has rubber if the autozone kit needs a few extra.

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alright boys and girls, here is what I came up with.

this is an Energy Suspensions body mount kit for 55-57 Chevy (Belair), cost is 79 from autozone with free shipping.

the lip on the "thick" bushing is too wide for the holes in the ears on the frame. so some widening of the holes will be required. a dremel and some patience will take car of that. it is a very very small amount that needs to be drilled off to fit the bushing.

then stack the washers double on top of the bushing to make it 3/4" thick like stock, or whatever height you need for that part of the car to level it.

the small bushing is perfect 1/2" thick and fits just fine as is on the bottom of the ear, or inside the car, depending on location.

the spacer sleeve is much bigger than the Packard one, to me that means stronger in a way. the smaller one fits fine as well. also of note is the Packard sleeve is shorter, the ES one is taller. another easy remedy by cutting it down to size where needed.

so, I believe I can make this work, although with some modification. nobody will ever know, but my pocket book will thank me.

79 bucks for the kit.....if I end up needing 2 kits...150 bucks....vs 500 or so from steele in just rubber. also to boot, these are polyurethane, not just rubber.

I will document my progress as I go along.

edit: I wanted to add....BOOYA!

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