What are these 2 parts.

[roger55]

These came off my '57 3200 when I disassembled it. I'm now in the process of putting it back together and can't figure out where these go.

The first item there are 3 of. Rods with a welded nut on one end and an eye on the other:



Here's both sides of the second item:

[57chevyman]

the rods look like fender braces

[Tomb23]

Fender Support Rods (Yes) & the 2nd is a support bracket for the front corner of the bed (TOP CORNER) for those that have Bed Side Spare Tire Mount

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Tomb23

Fender Support Rods (Yes) & the 2nd is a support bracket for the front corner of the bed (TOP CORNER) for those that have Factory Fender cut out Spare Tire Mount

Thanks!

So do I have only 3 because the spare cut-out eliminates one of them? Is there supposed to be another style of rod along with that bracket?

[Tomb23]

http://raybuck.com/i-20705908-1955-6...brace-set.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/55-66-Chevro...p2047675.l2557

[roger55]

Originally Posted by Tomb23

Now just guessing, but I would say your just missing one rod?

Could be. I just finalized an order with Classic Industries and I bought 2 new sets of 3 rods for the rear fenders. It seems I was missing the shorter ones anyway and it appeared I had to order the sets to get them.

btw. I just looked at all my old photos and can't find one that shows where and how that corner brace bracket mounts. Do you happen to have a photo of one? Is there a hole in the top rail for it to mount to?

[roger55]

Never mind. I googled and found a photo.



Now I've got another question.

I've welded up the hole. I thought it was for a radio antenna. I've also got my bed painted and have sprayed bed liner on the top rail. I'd rather not drill it out again for this bracket if isn't really necessary but I am putting the spare back on there.

It's hard to see that the bracket helps but I'm not sure. Evidently some factory guy did think it was necessary.

[1project2many]

Probably depends on how much hard use you'll give it on rough roads. Show use and light driving on decent pavement probably won't put much stress on things. Remember these trucks were built to run across farmland and dirt in the Midwest. And if you're using a lighter spare than a stock wheel/tire it only helps.

[Tomb23]

I would have to agree with the above post! If your not going to be bouncing around the farm or or driving down old washboard gravel roads you likely will never need. just slow down for the new age Speed Bumps.

[roger55]

After further thought I think I'll go ahead and paint and install it. It's supposed to be there.

Plus, it's already a little crowded in that area anyway to where the extra bolt in the top won't be that noticeable. I'll use a button head cap screw for it as well as on the bolts for the tire mount rack and I'll paint them too.

[1project2many]

After further thought I think I'll go ahead and paint and install it. It's supposed to be there.

lol... It's kind of hard to explain to people how you could lose an argument with yourself but it happens to me all the time.

[_Ogre]

can't remember if your truck is stock height, but if you lower your truck most of them won't fit

[roger55]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

can't remember if your truck is stock height, but if you lower your truck most of them won't fit

Stock height so I should be OK. We will see. I can cut to shorten or lengthen with my little mig no problem if necessary.

[roger55]

This looks so clean that I didn't like the idea of drilling a hole at first.

I guess the clean look is why some guys don't like the tire mounted on the bed side. But, I like the nostalgia look of the tire being there.

[Tomb23]

original mount

[1project2many]

They used button clutch head screws originally. I'd think a stainless Allen head button would look nice on that truck.

[roger55]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

They used button clutch head screws originally. I'd think a stainless Allen head button would look nice on that truck.

Yup.
Got an order going in for a bunch of stuff at Stainlesstown.com right now. I like to keep a stock of several different things on hand in stainless.

[_Ogre]

i used ss allen head button bolts for all of my bed and spare mount bolts
in the spare tire mount some of the nuts are captive, welded to the brackets
which means you'll need to turn the bolt to tighten on new paint
i used some plastic washers to prevent the paint from peeling up
no good pics of the washers, i can post some if needed

and for the record... yes that bracket reinforces the bed side to the front panel
there is also a shim under the spring on the drivers side, only the drivers side; to keep the truck level with the spare mounted
i did not use the shim when i flipped my axle, but if you have another unknown part that looks like a shim...

[Coupeguy2001]

Also, on the rods, I had a 55 fender on the left front. The 55 fender had no mount for the rod spot welded to the fender, but the 57 fender did.