The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - GM Frame build - Observations and question about cent bolt for leaf springs.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 06-15-2015, 10:34 PM

(71 Custom Deluxe - 1/2 short fleet)

The front bed brackets don't match. They're the same part, but the mounts have a short "flare/wing" on both sides at the top, only one side of the flare is shorter than the other on both pieces. One was "reversed", and they simply don't match (hardly noticeable). GM worker figures it works either way, so don't worry about it. 50/50 chance they'll match anyway...ha!

The center rail on the frame under the bed is off square by about 1.25". Not sure why that is, maybe to add strength. That or it doesn't matter. Is that common?

That center bolt "tie-bolt"for the leaf springs ("tie-bolt").......... the mount is notched so you can slip the head of the bolt in, right? As far as I can tell, there's no other way to get a bolt in there.

Thanks for any input.

06-15-2015, 10:34 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,385	GM Frame build - Observations and question about cent bolt for leaf springs. (71 Custom Deluxe - 1/2 short fleet) The front bed brackets don't match. They're the same part, but the mounts have a short "flare/wing" on both sides at the top, only one side of the flare is shorter than the other on both pieces. One was "reversed", and they simply don't match (hardly noticeable). GM worker figures it works either way, so don't worry about it. 50/50 chance they'll match anyway...ha! The center rail on the frame under the bed is off square by about 1.25". Not sure why that is, maybe to add strength. That or it doesn't matter. Is that common? That center bolt "tie-bolt"for the leaf springs ("tie-bolt").......... the mount is notched so you can slip the head of the bolt in, right? As far as I can tell, there's no other way to get a bolt in there. Thanks for any input. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 06-16-2015 at 11:53 AM.