Old timey mod.....what for?

[svobronco]

I recently picked up a '67 frame with the modifications to both radius arms as seen in the picture. The bolt is either 9/16" or 5/8" and the flat plate looks to have been torched off at the bottom, as maybe it hung down further. There is nothing on the frame above that might have been associated with it.

This did have an FE in it at one time. I was told a 428CJ installed at a dealership in 1969 which might be true as it still has an FX transmission in it with an FE bellhousing. So perhaps a mod for drag racing?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Impossible to really know. Maybe a sway bar of some sorts?

 

[ared77]

Wow! A 428CJ in a '67 Bronco...that must've been a hoot!

 

[tasker]

AND NO PICS SENT TO ME YET??? WTF!

 

[toddz69]

I'm guessing the same as Bowsher - maybe some sort of anti-sway bar? There were also some some sort of traction-aiding devices that went on the front end that may have been welded on there either. Totally drawing a blank on the brand and how they might have worked.

Todd Z.

 

[svobronco]

AND NO PICS SENT TO ME YET??? WTF!

You got pictures before I even bought it....did you forget already?

 

[tasker]

Not detailed ones! Congrats!!

 

[El Kabong]

I'm guessing the same as Bowsher - maybe some sort of anti-sway bar? There were also some some sort of traction-aiding devices that went on the front end that may have been welded on there either. Totally drawing a blank on the brand and how they might have worked.

Todd Z.

I wonder if it might have been some sort of strap that wrapped around the frame. At least if they drag raced it. Straps or chains preventing front axle droop were used to transfer weight to the rear axle during launch.

 

[svobronco]

I wonder if it might have been some sort of strap that wrapped around the frame. At least if they drag raced it. Straps or chains preventing front axle droop were used to transfer weight to the rear axle during launch.
View attachment 907585

That's sort of what I was thinking. But I expected to see something on the frame that matched up to bolt on the arm. Never thought about a strap around the frame.

 

[KCSPONY]

anti-sway bar, My dad had one, I think it was a helwig?

 

[DirtDonk]

With Adco and probably Helwig too, there was no welding involved. Simple wrap-clamps and bushings on the radius arms and a big fat anti-sway bar connected between the two radius arms. No connection to the frame at all, at least on the Adco.

Paul

 

[AZ73]

I wouldn't mount one to the radius arms, but maybe a front driveshaft loop mount?

 

[bmc69]

. I was told a 428CJ installed at a dealership in 1969 which might be true as it still has an FX transmission in it with an FE bellhousing. So perhaps a mod for drag racing?

That would be a truly stunning amount of dealrship work. As in..close the entire shop down to deal with a massive customer one-off never-been-done engine installation. Color me "skeptical".

 

[Broncobowsher]

I've known people who would work on stuff after hours, often just personal stuff.
Was it commissioned by a customer? Doubt it. But can believe it was done in a dealership.

 

[KCSPONY]

With Adco and probably Helwig too, there was no welding involved. Simple wrap-clamps and bushings on the radius arms and a big fat anti-sway bar connected between the two radius arms. No connection to the frame at all, at least on the Adco.

Paul

yep the helwig bolted on the radius arms

 

[matts460]

I have worked for Toyota for 20 years, last shop I was at, the owner payed one of the lead techs to restore his 69 Camero. He worked on it in his 3rd stall when he wasn't busy with customer work. He did everything but the body work. Anything is possible at a dealership! Just depends on the owners and management. Never forget the golden rule....Dealership owners are greedy! If a customer wants custom work done and there is a long term trustworthy tech that volunteers it will most likely get performed.

 

[svobronco]

That would be a truly stunning amount of dealrship work. As in..close the entire shop down to deal with a massive customer one-off never-been-done engine installation. Color me "skeptical".

This same guy ordered 6 Broncos from this dealership at the same time in 1969 (or so I've been told)....they might have made an exception.

 

[svobronco]

Here's the automatic that was installed in the '67. I believe it's an small case FX Cruise-o-matic from a '65 Galaxie 352. The adapter is actually the back of the 3spd toploader case cut off and welded (very crudely, it was 1969) to the shortened iron tail shaft. Trans output shaft has the same splines as the D20 input...who knew...

 

[toddz69]

Wow - that's an oddball!

Todd Z.