Frame / Springs: Coil Spring Insulators

[JLB]

I'm in the process of installing new Moog C 655 Coil Springs in my '63 Avanti. Previous advice from SDC members has been to use an insulator at the top of the spring and some have said both top and bottom.
In looking at the S.I. catalog ( page 277 of the new catalog ) there are two parts that look very similar and by their description, sound very similar.
526249 Front Coil Spring End Pad 1950-'66 car all models (takes 4 )
526830 Front Coil Lining Spacer 1/8" thick
Which is the difference between the two? How thick is 526249?
Which should I use?
Thanks
John

[57pack]

[JoeHall]

There are pads, and then there are spacers. Many Studes came with the spacer, on driver side only, to compensate for extra weight on the driver side. Extra weight comes not only from the driver, but also battery and PS, especially if Saginaw PS.

[rkapteyn]

To explain this better is that spacers are metal and pads are rubber.

[swvalcon]

I found two metal spacers on the top on both sides of the 62 parts car frame that I just pulled apart.

[JoeHall]

I found two metal spacers on the top on both sides of the 62 parts car frame that I just pulled apart.

Sounds like a CASO attempt at shoring up a sagging front end.

I calculated spacer-to-lift ratio, a couple of years ago, and IIRS it was 1.5 to 1. For example, a 1/8th inch spacer lifts the car approximately 3/16". Spacing does not strengthen the spring, it simply lifts the car by extra compression of the spring.

I see Si's catalog lists a 1/2" spacer for all cars, 1951-61, and 1963-85 Avanti. It also lists a 1/8" spacer for all models & years. A 1/2" spacer would lift the car about 3/4", and may be an excellent CASO measure, in some cases. I have never seen but 1/8" spacers in Studes, most always on driver's side, as mentioned above.

[bezhawk]

Air conditioned Avantis had the 1/2" spacers. I always use the rubber isolators top AND bottom. It eliminates bad noises stemming from metal on metal.

[Skybolt]

As my car had none I bought a sheet of neoprene and cut some out and used electrical tape to hold them to the spring. Have been doing this for replacement springs for decades and it works well.

Len

[Xcalibur]

When I took my virgin '63 R-1 apart for the first time I found a 1/4" aluminum spacer at the bottom of each side, no pads insulators, etc. I found the same on my nearly new '82 except the spacers were 1/2". In the years since I've never encountered a "pad" on any '60s car I've dealt with, but I suspect there was considerable variance from the factory.

[Skybolt]

When I took my virgin '63 R-1 apart for the first time I found a 1/4" aluminum spacer at the bottom of each side, no pads insulators, etc. I found the same on my nearly new '82 except the spacers were 1/2". In the years since I've never encountered a "pad" on any '60s car I've dealt with, but I suspect there was considerable variance from the factory.

Of all the Studebakers I have pulled apart I think I have seen the rubber pads on maybe one car. I have heard about them but I think one of the last cars I stripped, 59 Lark 4 door V8, four years ago, had them.

Len

[bezhawk]

They DO make a noticeable difference in making the car seem more solid. Just like rear shackle bushings they help isolate direct transmission of road shock .

[swvalcon]

Joe and bez. Would you suggest that going back together I leave out the spacers and just use the rubber pads? I have new moog 655 springs for it and all bushings and shocks will be new. Not sure if I will ever add ac to it.

[JoeHall]

Both of my GTs have MOOG 655s, with upper & lower pads, but no spacers. Both cars have AC, PS, and extra capacity radiators. Both sit and ride just about perfect, IMHO. So I'd suggest going without spacers.

[StudeRich]

Spacers 1/2 Inch, were used on many Factory Installed Air Cond. Cars with the H.D. shorter A/C Springs, to regain the correct ride height.

Usually Dealer Installed Cars did not get this important improvement, ask me how I know that!

[bezhawk]

The rubber cushions won't change the ride height more than 1/4" I wouldn't do without them. They are in the parts book, and were installed by the factory for a reason.