Yes Steve, It rests up against the loop. No big deal, I've yet to use the parking brake on the car. Don't know if there is a way around that issue, but it really doesn't matter to me.
My buddy has made a few. He's put them on almost everyone of his cars cause he never knows which one will hit the track. He has a 3 foot piece of 8" well casing that he takes 2" sections off. He then welds 1/4 plate to mount it to the floor. It looks alot like the picture posted but not as pretty.
Larry, What holes did you bolt into or did you need to drill 4 new holes? How come you didn't use washers on the inboard holes? Just curious.
Great post, but let's not overlook the purpose of the loop. Protection from a u-joint failure or a rare incident on a driveshaft snapping. (Most cases it's the u-joint.) Guys the loop is good to have and is required with NHRA, but when a driveshaft let's go, the damage in most cases also includes your transmission $$$$$$. Point is guys. Make sure you have heavy duty u-joints install on both ends, even for you occassional racers. We all talk on having 600 hp etc, well just think that small 4" piece has to transfer that shock to the rear. I know Spicers makes a good u-joint and I am sure there are other brands out there. So don't get left holding your shaft after the race ou: :Brow: When installing a loop while you have the shaft down check or replace those u-joints. Good job there Larry:TU: ...All set for Atco in a few weeks?? Can't wait!!
I think Larry started running drag radials...his last post in this thread is almost five years old!!! Devon
I drilled 4 holes in the floor. Just didn't use washers on the inboard holes, but I could have. I have since removed the loop because of the Gear Vendors installation.
Ok Im confused, thought all Buicks had them factory? My 80 has a factory loop in the proper location for NHRA rules but don't know if it was done on purpose to be that, probably just the proper place for one.
Do I gotta put it up on ramps n take a pic??? Might not call it a full loop but it doesn't or can't be there but to catch the drive shaft. Nice stamped steel piece, with 4 bolts.
Larry... This is the first time I've ever seen you ask a question on here! Are you O.K. ? The guru asking the grasshoppers ? Hummmm? :TU: Thanks for all your past help ! Eric / Oregon :3gears:
OK here it is, I didn't add it and the old guy who owned it before me never even drove it. Unless it part of a towing package??? It has to be a stock piece. Floor os molded for it with solid mount points. I just assumed they all had it, like how we got the 4 point rear ends where chevy was still messing with leaf or panhard bar systems, when they all want a 4 point. Thought it was just another Buick perk.
Matt, You know what they say about the word assume, right? No 60's or 70's GS ever came with something like that. Also, that is not a driveshaft loop, although it would prevent the shaft from dropping to the floor (maybe), it wouldn't stop the shaft from beating the hell out of your floor boards. The loop I have pictured is vastly superior to that. I'm not sure what to call that, but driveshaft loop isn't it.
:laugh: :laugh: If I knew everything, this place would be very boring. I learn something new every day Eric:bla:
I also just installed the safety loop. It's a nice insurance policy .... maybe not as good as a rev limiter but having both is nice.
So if anyone else is running this Metco loop that Larry had installed in his car before the gear vendors overdrive necessitaed him removing it, what did you do about the e-brake cable? Is it a big deal? I mean, you should still be able to use the e-brake anyway right? Also, which end of the driveshaft do you disconnect? The rear, right? And isn't it a bitch to replace a U Joint? Also, when you guys replace U Joints, you do the front AND rear? Are they different? Any brand recommendations? How to they come off? By the way that Metco link is pretty much a dead end now. I think BMR Fabrication is the only one that looks the same anymore. I found them on Summit. Looks identical to the one Larry used to have, but at almost twice the price unfortulately. Hey Larry, you wanna sell your old loop since you took it out?
Here's a link to the Metco A-body loop: http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MDL1100 :beers2:
Now I'm really confused (thanks for the link by the way, this is the one I want), but look at where it's installed (pic from Metco website). I thought this was supposed to install right into the floor "brace" for strength, not the bare pan which is weak??
The sheet metal floor is just fine. A driveshaft doesn't have enough heft to necessitate a 'stronger' mounting point, even when it's spinning. I've had three driveshafts let go on my '66 over the years, and the floor boards ain't pretty... but plenty sturdy :beer
