Traction bars

[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 "Grumpy" Jenkins in the Late 60's & R&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

[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 "What Color Should My Tow Tabs Be?" 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......

[Zman1969]

I'm kind of torn between the red



and the yellow

I plan on this for my 69 Nova SS that will be fathom green
Man Paul thats some rust! I really dont miss living up north

[Day2_69Z]

with a green car go with yellow unless your bars were red... jmo.

Red bars on a white,black,red,silver or blue car would be bitch'n contrast.

I have an Orange car with a Red Loop...kinda clashes... lmao..
but my Bars are Yellow,,shocks are Red Lakewood's as is the scattershield and drive shaft loop.
what color do I paint the tow tabs....red, yellow, orange or ugggg..black ???

[PxTx]

I really don't think you can go wrong whatever you choose. Just make it your choice, and don't go with anything because we all say so.

I do prefer a car with a bit of a theme. Whether I build one today, or 20 years ago- I try to stick with a complementing color scheme- which sometimes requires me to paint speed parts to keep within that theme. Heck, My teal Malibu had a pink stripe on it and I even painted some pink accents on a set of mag wheels. It was 1991 and I'm not saying to paint your bars pink- just whatever you want.

It wouldn't take much imagination to picture Fathom Green with red OR yellow accents and either way looks good to me.