I have been reading past posts and still can't decide on what type of bushings to go with on the front end.Many people say the poly and polygrafite squeak some say they
don't.My 69 will be a street car lowered,quick ratio steering,16" tires ect.
but not road raced.I just want to do the job
once.Ideas?

Well, if you want to do the job once, then you answered your question.

I faced this problem about 3 months ago. After talking to Energy Suspension for 30, they finally admitted that every one of their bushings (even the black ones) will start to squeek after a period of time, and will require re-lubing. To me, that is definetely something I don't want to do!

Some people have good luck so far, some don't. I've got them in the rear, and they're OK so far. I just installed some new Moog bushings, and it's done for another 20 years or whatever.

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1969 Base Camaro
Vortec 355, Perf. RPM, Demon Carb., TH-400
All sheetmetal is NOS GM
See my NEW webpage at: http://www.geocities.com/compuboy007/

SILVER 69, I was leaning towards rubber because of several previous posts and your story just adds to the squeaking problem.
If I wanted squeaks I would have bought
another Mopar. Thanks

Can't speak for anyone else,but I recommend the poly bushings from PST.Just did my car,back and front.One thing I did,took the bushings apart and coated them with semi-synthetic grease inside and outside.So far no squeaks or anything.YMMV. http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

I put poly bushings on my camaro for only one reason. I planned on running subframe connectors and wanted the rigidity of the poly. I have read that if you run connectors it is best to go with poly bushings because they don't deflect as much and add a little bit more stiffness. My car is built more toward a pro-touring type car so that was important to me.

I use and like the solid aluminum ones. Try a search and read up. They didn't increase ride harshness, don't deflect and work well.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's and I don't worry about stone chips ( yet ).

Would it make any sense to mix & match. I dont believe that all poly bushings generally squeak. Whatever bushing locations are prone to squeaks, use rubber there. Elsewhere use polygraphite.
Now the only question is which is which?

[This message has been edited by bowtie-70 (edited 04-10-2002).]

RickD, did you use aluminum body mount bushings, too?

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Pics of my 69 (http://webpages.charter.net/gulb93/index.htm)

Topless;
You are right in wanting to go the conservitive route with your convertible. As a general rule I use the rubber bushings in restoration/street type vehicles and always in convertibles. I use the poly's in mild street/ performance coupe applications for the extra bit of uniformity they add to the suspension geometry. I have only used Solid Alum. bushings once in a modified 70's F-body used only in autocrossing. They did ride 'harder' but I don't know if it would be enough to effect the ride quality in normal street use, I think the springs and low profile tires along with the suspension reinforcments and solid body mounts had more to do with wrecking the ride of that car.
The convertible bodies are so flexible anyway, due to lack of the roof structure, that trying to "tighten up" the suspension is a waste of time unless you want to build in extra support in the way of a multi -point cage and frame modifications. This seems like a long hard climb for the view to me. There are lots of junker coupes out there that would make a much better starting point for a project like that. Convertibles are very prone to rattles and cowl shaking and the harder bushings tend to aggrivate both.
I have worked on (and owned) plenty of 'poly' bushing cars - they ALL start squeeking eventually! I used a good lube called "Krytox" on my 67 coupe and it really helped hold off the noise for a good year or so between applications. This lube is available from industial supply houses like Grainger (#4XZ69) but it is really expensive. Any good Grease that has some TFE (Teflon) in it would probably work well also.

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'68 Rag-top SS350/350 (on it's way to a 200-4R)

I happen to like the Global West stuff and have the aluminum body bushings with welded SFC. I think the convertibles benefit from anything you can do to improve chassis rigidity. I'm figuring out what bar type arrangement to add for added strength. While I agree that a coupe is an inherently better platform, life is soooo good when cruising with the top down. 'A car has to know its limitations'. Enjoy the ride.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's and I don't worry about stone chips ( yet ).

Vintage 68,
Thanks for the info,this being my first camaro, I have alot to learn, but Im getting there. Im going to be ordering the global
west frame connectors, have you had them on any of your cars? I feel now that for a cruiser rubber bushings are the way to go.

Hey Topless;
I've had frame connectors on several 1st and 2nd gen. coupes and I totally agree with their use if you are going to modify the car for performance and handling. They really help tighten things up if properly installed. If you get above a certain level of stiffness in the suspension you have to start thinking about a multi point type cage to prevent the body from becoming the flex element for the car.
If you are going for this level of modification I suggest you read the information available from Herb Adams and other performance oriented "How To' books by the various publishers.
I do applaud your willingness to buck the trend to do "what they racers do" for your street car. Race modifications are (usually anyway) well thought out changes that are made to address a specific need for the type of competition the vehicle will be used in and can have a definite drawbacks in other situations. Better valved shocks, better COF brakes, better traction factor tires and etc.. are all good mods for street car handeling that will not have a direct negative effect on the service life of the vehicle.
Rubber bushings work just fine.

you'll have to use solid mounts, at least at the rear of the subframe, with the gw connectors. they should include them with your order.
Tybor

I put poly bushings on one of my camaros and pulled in to a car show with about 800 people all looking on as I pulled in to the lot when the bushings squeeked loader then the purr from my 3" exhaust. I removed them shortly after a few embarassing moments like that, nothing worse than giving the ford boys something to comment on.