What is this?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevLoRay · 08-23-2008, 06:07 PM

On the left side of my chassis, near the firewall, I have a loop attached to the frame. A good friend, who has worked on many of these trucks and scrapped a good number of them (before they were valuable) said he'd never seen one.

So, what it is and what it is used for? There are no marks to indicate anything ran beneath it or was attached to it.

So.....

68gmsee · 08-23-2008, 06:17 PM

Is there one on the other side? Maybe a tie down while being shipped??

ChevLoRay · 08-23-2008, 06:20 PM

Nope....just the one.

Good 'un, huh?

Arad68 · 08-23-2008, 06:27 PM

It appears to be a bracket for engine torque strap. (In case the motor mount failed or was broken.)

68gmsee · 08-23-2008, 06:29 PM

Re: torque strap.... Yeah but why only on one side.

If there were two, I'd say something to lift the frame up with in the factory.

67_C-30 · 08-23-2008, 06:34 PM

The torque straps were dealer installed, so maybe they took a shortcut?

**too much stuff** · 08-23-2008, 06:43 PM

Factory engine hold downs. If the motor mount broke, that would hold it in place. Didn't need to be on both sides as the torque from the engine would only lift it one way...
I have seen most of these on 67-68 models.

**too much stuff** · 08-23-2008, 06:52 PM

Forgot to add that there would be a cable that ran under the loop and both ends would bolt to the engine...

67_C-30 · 08-23-2008, 06:59 PM

I've had several cars from that era that had the straps, but I've never seen them on a truck. I just went out and looked, and of the 13 I have here at home, none of them have it.

MrBeast · 08-23-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

I've had several cars from that era that had the straps, but I've never seen them on a truck. I just went out and looked, and of the 13 I have here at home, none of them have it.

You must be out of breath. have a cold one on me.

Longhorn Man · 08-23-2008, 08:38 PM

recall dated may of 72

As found in the glove box of my first longhorn
It specificly says 10 - 30 series trucks on the recall, and it is for the motor mounts.
I have only seen one truck (was a 71 or 72 GMC in a new orleans junk yard) that had the recall retrofit straps, but it had the loop like your photo shows, and still had the cable looping around the exhaust manifold.

RaceAGMC · 08-23-2008, 11:27 PM

My 70 HAD one of these, when i put in the 6.0, i noticed that it was not needed and it was tossed by the wayside!

Husker · 08-23-2008, 11:45 PM

I Have a complete setup from a 70 Chevy. They were suppose to be on both sides.
Ron

ChevLoRay · 08-24-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Husker

I Have a complete setup from a 70 Chevy. They were suppose to be on both sides.
Ron

I looked at the right side of the frame and no holes are drilled. So, mine only had the one. Since it has headers, my guess is that removing the original exhaust manifolds also lead to removing the strap.

If this is the true purpose (and what else could it be for?), then why don't we see more of them?

Thanks for answering the mystery question.

68gmsee · 08-24-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

.............If this is the true purpose (and what else could it be for?), then why don't we see more of them? ................

You have a point. Hard to believe that only a handful got that warning the Longhorn Man posted. Or worse, nobody took their trucks in to have restraints put in. Maybe they didn't want to part with their trucks for even a day or two.

It sure sounds like a bandaid for a potentially dangerous situation. Times have changed....

Husker · 08-24-2008, 09:33 AM

The Passenger side did mount to the Exhaust Manifold and the drivers side mounted to the block, If I remeber correctly.
Ron

Old Chevy Mech · 08-24-2008, 10:22 AM

What can also happen if the engine were to torque enough is the clutch linkage could possibly pop out, leaving you SOL without a clutch and the engine throttle stuck at a high RPM. My 70 Jimmy had this exact event occur when I was 16, making a left hand turn (thankfully) into an empty parking lot. I came out on the clutch just hard enough and was giving enough gas that the shifter also got messed up at the same moment. The truck had the 3 on the tree and the driver side motor mount ripped in 2 pieces. So it was hang on and Holy Pooooo!!! When it happened it made alot of noise as the fan was grinding on the shroud. Clutch linkage pieces were in the street, it was night, no flashlight, and being stuck in 1st gear! Had to start the truck in 2nd gear and use the key to slow down at stop signs, luckily it was night and zero traffic! I did finally make it home, safe. I'll never forget that event and as a result I change motor mounts every time I think theres too much play in the motor mounts. I always wondered why they didnt make a better mount, or maybe there is and I dont know about it.

Frank

Arad68 · 08-24-2008, 10:53 AM

GM changed the mounts starting in 73 becuase of this problem.

chrislehr · 08-24-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

recall dated may of 72

As found in the glove box of my first longhorn
It specificly says 10 - 30 series trucks on the recall, and it is for the motor mounts.
I have only seen one truck (was a 71 or 72 GMC in a new orleans junk yard) that had the recall retrofit straps, but it had the loop like your photo shows, and still had the cable looping around the exhaust manifold.

You REALLY need to scan that whole thing. I will provide web hosting for it if need be.

therealcurtis · 08-24-2008, 02:54 PM

I'll bet why not many people have seen these is that the new design motor mounts were put on ones that came in for the recall later, or if the owner was religious about taking the truck to the dealer. whenever one came in with straps, it got the new motor mounts.

chevy_mike · 08-24-2008, 02:58 PM

I still have both sides on my '68. Even when the PO swapped a 350 in for the 327, he reinstalled both straps.

drivethechevy · 08-24-2008, 03:35 PM

i never really paid any attention to it but i have the driverside strap on a 70 gmc 2500 i have, when i got the truck the guy who i got it from told me he had to bring it in to a dealer to have that installed but he didnt tell me what it was for just that it was there

ChevLoRay · 08-24-2008, 09:25 PM

I remember the the "concern" that existed at that time with Chevy motor mounts, but don't recall the fix...specifically. I do remember seeing some cable straps on some cars that came in to "the World's Largest Department Store" auto shop when I was working there in '76.

What I also recall was a '72 Plymouth that a customer brought in because they couldn't get the oil filter off of the 318. When I put it on the rack, it became obvious. The motor mount was broken, and the engine had turned in its mounting just enough that the oil filter, when unscrewed, came into contact with the chassis. They were right. Neither they, nor we, could remove the oil filter....until it got some new motor mounts. I didn't fix it, and I don't know if they did or not. I'm gonna guess it don't even matter now.

msgross · 08-24-2008, 09:37 PM

makes me wish I bought those Prothane mounts and not the "made in India" ones now.!

cameeks · 08-25-2008, 01:56 AM

http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...96&cat=0&page=

Has anyone used these? Also can you just go to your local parts store and get new mounts for these or do you have to call them back up?

08-23-2008, 06:07 PM	#1
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	What is this?? On the left side of my chassis, near the firewall, I have a loop attached to the frame. A good friend, who has worked on many of these trucks and scrapped a good number of them (before they were valuable) said he'd never seen one. So, what it is and what it is used for? There are no marks to indicate anything ran beneath it or was attached to it. So..... Attached Images __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-23-2008, 06:17 PM	#2
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: What is this?? Is there one on the other side? Maybe a tie down while being shipped??

08-23-2008, 06:20 PM	#3
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: What is this?? Nope....just the one. Good 'un, huh? __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-23-2008, 06:27 PM	#4
Arad68 Trucks N Tranzams Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 816	Re: What is this?? It appears to be a bracket for engine torque strap. (In case the motor mount failed or was broken.) __________________ Don '68 Chevy LB 383 TH400/GV/373 posi '56 Chevy 4WD SWB '64 Chevy short stepside '79 Trans Am 455/TH2004R/12blt/4whldisc 95 Kia (Wifes car) 2002 S-10 extended cab pickup "God punishes small sins immediately"

08-23-2008, 06:29 PM	#5
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: What is this?? Re: torque strap.... Yeah but why only on one side. If there were two, I'd say something to lift the frame up with in the factory.

08-23-2008, 06:34 PM	#6
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: What is this?? The torque straps were dealer installed, so maybe they took a shortcut? __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club! Last edited by 67_C-30; 08-23-2008 at 06:34 PM.

08-23-2008, 06:43 PM	#7
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,792	Re: What is this?? Factory engine hold downs. If the motor mount broke, that would hold it in place. Didn't need to be on both sides as the torque from the engine would only lift it one way... I have seen most of these on 67-68 models. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

08-23-2008, 06:52 PM	#8
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,792	Re: What is this?? Forgot to add that there would be a cable that ran under the loop and both ends would bolt to the engine... __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

08-23-2008, 06:59 PM	#9
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: What is this?? I've had several cars from that era that had the straps, but I've never seen them on a truck. I just went out and looked, and of the 13 I have here at home, none of them have it. __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

08-23-2008, 08:38 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: What is this?? recall dated may of 72 As found in the glove box of my first longhorn It specificly says 10 - 30 series trucks on the recall, and it is for the motor mounts. I have only seen one truck (was a 71 or 72 GMC in a new orleans junk yard) that had the recall retrofit straps, but it had the loop like your photo shows, and still had the cable looping around the exhaust manifold.

08-23-2008, 11:27 PM	#12
RaceAGMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 350	Re: What is this?? My 70 HAD one of these, when i put in the 6.0, i noticed that it was not needed and it was tossed by the wayside! __________________ 70 CST, 6.0/ 4L80E in the works. Custom harness by 68 Short Step

08-23-2008, 11:45 PM	#13
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: What is this?? I Have a complete setup from a 70 Chevy. They were suppose to be on both sides. Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

08-24-2008, 09:33 AM	#16
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: What is this?? The Passenger side did mount to the Exhaust Manifold and the drivers side mounted to the block, If I remeber correctly. Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

08-24-2008, 10:22 AM	#17
Old Chevy Mech Keepin it runnin! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Deep River, CT Posts: 1,036	Re: What is this?? What can also happen if the engine were to torque enough is the clutch linkage could possibly pop out, leaving you SOL without a clutch and the engine throttle stuck at a high RPM. My 70 Jimmy had this exact event occur when I was 16, making a left hand turn (thankfully) into an empty parking lot. I came out on the clutch just hard enough and was giving enough gas that the shifter also got messed up at the same moment. The truck had the 3 on the tree and the driver side motor mount ripped in 2 pieces. So it was hang on and Holy Pooooo!!! When it happened it made alot of noise as the fan was grinding on the shroud. Clutch linkage pieces were in the street, it was night, no flashlight, and being stuck in 1st gear! Had to start the truck in 2nd gear and use the key to slow down at stop signs, luckily it was night and zero traffic! I did finally make it home, safe. I'll never forget that event and as a result I change motor mounts every time I think theres too much play in the motor mounts. I always wondered why they didnt make a better mount, or maybe there is and I dont know about it. Frank __________________ 1970 K-5 4X4 Blazer 1970 K-20 4X4 Long Bed "Liberty Means Responsibility, that is why most men dread it"

08-24-2008, 10:53 AM	#18
Arad68 Trucks N Tranzams Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 816	Re: What is this?? GM changed the mounts starting in 73 becuase of this problem. __________________ Don '68 Chevy LB 383 TH400/GV/373 posi '56 Chevy 4WD SWB '64 Chevy short stepside '79 Trans Am 455/TH2004R/12blt/4whldisc 95 Kia (Wifes car) 2002 S-10 extended cab pickup "God punishes small sins immediately"



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08-24-2008, 02:54 PM	#20
therealcurtis Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 22	Re: What is this?? I'll bet why not many people have seen these is that the new design motor mounts were put on ones that came in for the recall later, or if the owner was religious about taking the truck to the dealer. whenever one came in with straps, it got the new motor mounts. __________________ 68 Chevy LWB stepside (currently hauling $#!* out of my backyard) 94 CVPI R.I.P. was fun until the tranny died, and the brake line rusted thru and the dashboard lights were blinking codes at me. 93 Exploder 09 Scion XB 01 Indian Scout

08-24-2008, 02:58 PM	#21
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: What is this?? I still have both sides on my '68. Even when the PO swapped a 350 in for the 327, he reinstalled both straps. __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

08-24-2008, 03:35 PM	#22
drivethechevy Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo MN Posts: 606	Re: What is this?? i never really paid any attention to it but i have the driverside strap on a 70 gmc 2500 i have, when i got the truck the guy who i got it from told me he had to bring it in to a dealer to have that installed but he didnt tell me what it was for just that it was there __________________ Trial and Error, its expensive but its a mistake i most likely wont make again 1971 chevy k10 custom deluxe http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341257 1968 chevy k/10 fleet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334731 1948 desoto custom coupe fluid drive(family heirloom)

08-24-2008, 09:25 PM	#23
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: What is this?? I remember the the "concern" that existed at that time with Chevy motor mounts, but don't recall the fix...specifically. I do remember seeing some cable straps on some cars that came in to "the World's Largest Department Store" auto shop when I was working there in '76. What I also recall was a '72 Plymouth that a customer brought in because they couldn't get the oil filter off of the 318. When I put it on the rack, it became obvious. The motor mount was broken, and the engine had turned in its mounting just enough that the oil filter, when unscrewed, came into contact with the chassis. They were right. Neither they, nor we, could remove the oil filter....until it got some new motor mounts. I didn't fix it, and I don't know if they did or not. I'm gonna guess it don't even matter now. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-24-2008, 09:37 PM	#24
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: What is this?? makes me wish I bought those Prothane mounts and not the "made in India" ones now.! __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

08-25-2008, 01:56 AM	#25
cameeks Long Fleet Club Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Deer Park, TX Posts: 5,666	Re: What is this?? http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...96&cat=0&page= Has anyone used these? Also can you just go to your local parts store and get new mounts for these or do you have to call them back up? __________________ Chris Meeks '69 Chevy Custom/10 Long Bed <-- Thread of the work I did before selling. Truck is now finished to the new owners design and running around. I was shown some pictures of the finished product. At least it survived the junk yard. FAQ Index by Krue Site Vendors Subscribe Here Forum Rules

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