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Author Topic: DIY Traction Bars - advice  (Read 3672 times)

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Offline dave1987

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DIY Traction Bars - advice
« on: August 19, 2014, 08:54:47 PM »
Hi all!

I'm planning to pick up more gas for the welder, as well as some box steel to extend the sub frame from under the front seats and tie it to the front rear leaf perches, an box things in across the drive line tunnel. Getting a head start on the V8 conversion and this is one of those things I'd like to have out of the way. I will be cutting out and replacing the driver side floor pan as well, since it's getting pretty bad...

Anyway, I am also planning to get some traction bars put together as well, hoping to go DIY, I love doing these types of things, especially with the peace of mind knowing that I built it and it works!

Here is the type of traction "device" I have had in mind, but other designs are welcomed in terms of what will be more effective.

http://www.automedia.com/Traction_Bars/res20050801tb/1


I did some research a couple years ago about how to calculate the length of the bar, but I can't find the links to those webpages anymore. Any input on bar length calculation?

Also, the V8 I have planned won't be pushing anymore than 230 HP, max, if that helps.

Dave
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline 74 PintoWagon

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2014, 09:35:20 PM »
Good ole Lakewood type bars, been around for ever..
Art
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Offline russosborne

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2014, 12:46:40 AM »
Since you seem good at this stuff, look up Caltracs. Those are much better than the slapper bars you linked to.
Traction Master is another similar style. Very popular in the vintage Mustang world.
Russ
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Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2014, 12:38:17 PM »
Caltracs are the better choice but if you go with slappers you want the snubber under the front spring eye. The ones in that pic are a horrible example & are way too short.
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Offline Bigtimmay

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2014, 03:14:22 PM »
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/Traction.html

Way better working then that old style
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Offline dave1987

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2014, 11:51:10 PM »
There's the one I was trying to remember. For some dumb reason I was thinking it was a slapper bar....
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline dave1987

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2015, 06:21:52 PM »
I'm back at the Pinto again, getting somethings done before the V8 work begins.

When following the instructions on the Hot Rods and Hemis page, for DIY caltracs, I am getting a measurement of two inches from the spring eyelet to the end of the second leaf. Does this sound correct? Seems a little short to me, but according to the diagrams, and the weakest point on stock Pinto springs, it seems about right. I just want to get some verification or insight before I start constructing the brackets for the bars.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline dick1172762

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2015, 07:37:14 AM »
Dave! Take a look at http://www.stumpysfabworks.weebly.com under Mustang II parts for traction bars
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Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Re: DIY Traction Bars - advice
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2015, 12:56:26 PM »
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/Traction.html

Way better working then that old style

Hmmm... Me likey! I see a pair of those going on my "to fab" list... soon... at the top!
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