I disassembled my 69 FB sub frame and was able to do it without any injuries! When I removed my OE front springs, I did not locate ANY remnants of any type of coil spring spacer or insulator at either the top or bottom position of the coil spring. In the adds below in red, several parts houses sell a "Officially Licensed GM Restoration Part" that is essentially a rubber spacer to prevent the metal spring from rubbing on the steel arm. Does anyone know if these insulators came from the factory on the cars? I have recently taken down 2 sub frames and I have found no evidence they exist. Sure, they could have rotted, and gone away after 45 years. Maybe. But it doesn't seem likely all of it would be gone.

Has anyone seen an OE spring insulator stock from the factory? Is there one top and bottom? How tall should they be if they should be? What should they be made of? This can affect ride height.

Thanks again to all for the help!


Coil spring insulators are designed to dampen noise and reduce metal on metal contact between your 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 Firebird coil spring and body. The insulator is a small piece of rubber that is placed at the upper and lower mounting position of the springs. Over time the rubber hardens and deteriorates leaving your coil spring bare leading to increased noise and a noticeably rougher ride. Coil spring insulators from Eckler?s Firebird will help restore your classics original ride quality. These licensed GM restoration insulators are manufactured by Trim Parts and exceed original factory specifications for noise dampening. -
This is a molded rubber coil spring insulator that mounts between the coil spring and the frame. This insulator keeps the spring from riding metal-to-metal on the frame.
Coil spring insulators were not original on all vehicles but can be used on any coil spring application with a 5-5/16" outer diameter and 3-3/4" inner diameter spring.
1/4" thick. Sold individually. 2 required per vehicle.

Highest Quality Reproduction
Officially Licensed GM Restoration Part
Molded Rubber
Reduces Suspension Squeaks

Add to dampen noise and reduce metal on metal contact between your 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 Firebird coil spring and body. The insulator is a small piece of rubber that is placed at the upper and lower mounting position of the springs. Over time the rubber hardens and deteriorates leaving your coil spring bare leading to increased noise and a noticeably rougher ride. Coil spring insulators from Eckler?s Firebird will help restore your classic?s original ride quality. These licensed GM restoration insulators are manufactured by Trim Parts and exceed original factory specifications for noise dampening.

I have taken apart hundreds of GM cars and never have seen them on any coil springs or frames.

Neither of my 67-68 FB's had them.
Bought the 68 in 75-76 w/74k miles.
The 67 in 79-80 with 42k miles. Had been sit'n couple years before that.
Only ones I've had out.

I actually went looking for a set not too long ago. I did notice that most part manufactures did have a listing but their not the right size. If I remember correctly the 69 has a spring diameter of 5" across. All the spring isolators that were listed for the firebird were 5.5" or greater rendering them useless. I was however able to find a set for my needs at global west as I was trying to increase ride height. Moog also makes a flat pancake universal style isolator. you will have to get fancy with a razor blade to get it to seat properly.

FYI - aftermarket tubular control arms come with polygraphite bottom insulators for the springs. But I too have never seen any from the factory.

They do??? Which Firebird ones?

Global West. Bright, bright red ones:

Global West Lower Arm Picts with Isolators

Thanks Salmon, that is very interesting! Those are the only ones I have ever seen and I think they would work very nicely!

Thanks all! There is so much to learn. How crazy is it that some parts are still unavailable (oe style rear axle bumpers) while other parts that are "licensed reproductions" may have never been made at all.

Or, 3) "Camaro" only parts that vendors insist are correct on Firebirds. Like the console gauge clusters and front and rear spoilers.

So true. So many repos that are Camaro only parts. The rear axle bumpers are an excellent example.