Traction bars

[Zman1969]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zman1969</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK looking at PXTX bars on page 22 his and mine above are different my bars have 2 holes for the J-bolts and PXTX has just on one side?
and BillD's 2 sets are different lengths of early style so thats 4 different types of square tube bars that I see here - weird </div></div>

The red bars were on an early Vette and I think there were some clearance issues. The outer pad was trimmed for clearance. They were like yours Rich. More pics tonight. </div></div>

Ahh I see that in the pic- wondered why the rough edge
I need all the hardware for mine- J-bolts snubbers and front U-bolts and the U-straps I just ordered-Glad you had one set left Paul thanks!

[PxTx]

Well Rich the set I had left was originally gonna be for my Dad, but he was leaning another direction so you got lucky

[Day2_69Z]

There seems to be 2 opinions on these straps vs stirrups.. ...
from my understanding the straps were early standard issue then later replacements in lieu of the stirrups.
The stirrups were designed by Bill &quot;Grumpy&quot; Jenkins in the Late 60's &amp; R&amp;D'ed in through 1970-1971 for all out Competition Use...noting the shorter stem length on the J bolts them selves and a more snug, up tight fit for the bracket allowed a tighter pre-load when the nuts were tightened down aiding in a few degrees of pinion angle change with out the addition of wedges as needed.
Using the straps allowed the J bolts to bend as the car launched or were over tightened forcing the pinion /per load.
Look for a Lakewood ad with Grumpy ,from 69-70-71....you'll see the bars pictured, set up as his on track research proved positive results.
Can't wait to see the 69 Catalog too for details,info, pics and applications.
This is an enjoyable topic for all traction device info ...and comparison to many optional applications for various 'Series' designs per vehichle and manufactor

[whitetop]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another way Lakewoods came was with Painted on Tampos.
</div></div>

Yep, the tampos were usually the earlier version then Lakewood went to the clear decal.


The red ones that PXTX showed looks like yellow paint on the front leaf spring u-bolt area but I could be wrong...maybe the early bars they tried to paint red at one time.

Yep I have a bunch of the early decals w/o the &quot;R&quot; and a bunch of early NOS hardware when it was sorta anodized gold with black nuts.

[BillD]

Hopefully these pictures post. There are a couple of the Lakewood catalog and one of the bar. Please note the bars in the catalog are black. I think the earliest bars were black with the yellow added later? The catalog is labeled 1969.

OK the files are too big to post and I don't have time to fool around tonight and resize another time. I can try again tomorrow, when I hopefully have more time.

[BillD]

[img:center][/img]

[BillD]

[BillD]

[PxTx]

After further inspection, I am certain there is no Yellow paint on these bars. The lighter color here is just lighter rust.





I personally think these were originally red bars from Lakewood. I have no way to say they a person couldn't have blasted these totally clean, painted and reassembled. Even inside the square tube there is no yellow, and only some red overspray. Much like &quot;What Color Should My Tow Tabs Be?&quot; I subscribe to the philosophy that traction bars can be any color you want- though the classic Lakewood Yellow is very universal and looks great on many cars.



I did compare these to another set of square tubes which were originally Yellow. They are similar, but not identical.

[Day2_69Z]

RED SQUARE with Decals ??? NICE.
let's research these more,,
I'm curious as why the triangle for the stirrup strap is boxed (stronger) .....
Maybe earlier than we know ????

These may be cut for figment but the finish is original......