Factory Traction Bars 1961

[Richard P.]

Could you get traction bars from the factory or GM dealer installed in 1961 or other years on Corvettes?

[Clem Z.]

my new 62 came with a "traction" bar

mounted to the top rear axle and to the frame. i tore both loose drag racing. i think they were to prevent axle hop on braking not accelleration

[Louis Kolb]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

Yes, as part of the rear suspension design, there was a 'strut rod' from the top of the axle to the frame, on each end, that kept the axle from rotating. This strut rod acted as a traction bar. This was standard equipment.

[Richard P.]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

These look like normal traction bars from the bottom of the spring to the frame.

[Mike M.]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

sounds like the aftermarket traction bars sold by the likes of Lakewood. mike

[Patrick T.]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

Here is a pair of very old Lakewood traction bars that were on my '57 when I bought it. PT

[Mike McKown]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

If they mount on the bottom of the spring and are fixed to the frame at the front spring eye, they're probably Traction Master brand bars. That's what a lot of guys used after they ripped the stock ones loose like Clem did.

The ones Patrick posted a picture of were "slapper bars" and they became common, at least in my area about 1965 or so. I think Lakewood made one of the first designs followed by everybody and their brother.

[Dennis A.]

Re: Factory Traction Bars 1961

Yes...that's them, I have a set in my oldie storage bin.

[Rob Edwards]

Wait- you mean these aren't 'original'? *NM*

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: Wait- you mean these aren't 'original'?

Rob, My car ('62) came with the same set up when I bought it back in the 80's. They work like a charm, very nice launch. I noticed you have a slightly bent U-bolt, mine did too, the U-bolts have to be quite long to clear the sway bar mount using the spacers. Once I started on a frame off I inquired to Traction Master in CA about refurbing mine with new front mounts, poly bushings and hardware. They no longer had the drawings so I sent them mine as a reference to work from. You can now buy a set of new Traction Master traction bars for your vintage solid axle. The only diff is the saddle mounts underneath the axle are now welded instead of cast. I decided not to use them for the present since I've never driven the car without them. I'd like to see how it rides and handles without the T-bars. Using them on a '61-62 with factory strut rods, you have a multi link set up on the rear axle and I think quite a bit stiffer ride. If anyone is interested in them contact Chuck at Traction Master.