Positioning traction bar brackets on frame . . .

[Allan Songer]

I am ready to weld the traction bar brackets on the frame of the '56. I am using stock Lark-type reproduction bars and brackets and I have a question. I am assuming the brackets should be positioned with the full weight of the car on the suspension. Right now there is no engine, transmission, driveshaft or interior in the car and so it must weigh about 1000 lbs. less that it will when complete. If I position the mounts now, it seems to me they will be in the WRONG place once the full weight of the car is properly loading the suspension. I would really prefer to finish up this job now, but am at a loss as to how to proceed. Something in my gut tells me to just WAIT . . .


What do you guys think?

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by Allan Songer



What do you guys think?

I think that undercarriage looks good enough to eat off of! [].

[nels]

Allen, I think I would wait. The position does change and if it changes enough you will sure eat up a lot of rubber bushings.
Also, how come you aren't using the Hawk rods? They are shorter, the same as the Avanti and is what would be correct for this install.

[Allan Songer]

quote:Originally posted by nels

Allen, I think I would wait. The position does change and if it changes enough you will sure eat up a lot of rubber bushings.
Also, how come you aren't using the Hawk rods? They are shorter, the same as the Avanti and is what would be correct for this install.

I was told by an "expert" that the Lark set-up was the only one that would work on a '56 sedan. I was all set to buy an Avanti set up when I was warned against it. And so, not really knowing any better and trusting the "expert" I went with the Lark stuff. It should work OK--and since there is no "right" in terms of traction bars on a '56 Champion 2 door sedan, I'm not going to worry about it. These should work fine . . .

[studebaker-R2-4-me]

Allan,

Does the Lark frame bracket sit that low on the side of the frame? The Hawk bracket for C-K that I installed welds to the top and to the side of the frame.

Like we discussed the added weight of the transmission and engine will lower the frame somewhat shifting the bracket mount potentially causing a different pinion angle on the axle or like Nels mentioned you will go through a lot of bushings if you could even get the radius rod back on.

Your car is looking great!

Allen



1964 GT Hawk R2 Clone
Oakville, Ontario.

Hamilton Chapter
See you at Niagara 2008 Crossroads Zone Meet July 18-20

[Allan Songer]

quote:Originally posted by studebaker-R2-4-me

Allan,

Does the Lark frame bracket sit that low on the side of the frame? The Hawk bracket for C-K that I installed welds to the top and to the side of the frame.

Like we discussed the added weight of the transmission and engine will lower the frame somewhat shifting the bracket mount potentially causing a different pinion angle on the axle or like Nels mentioned you will go through a lot of bushings if you could even get the radius rod back on.

Your car is looking great!

Allen



1964 GT Hawk R2 Clone
Oakville, Ontario.

Hamilton Chapter
See you at Niagara 2008 Crossroads Zone Meet July 18-20

The bracket in the picture is just flopping about--it will be welded to the top and side in the same manner as your brackets.