T 1 356s originally did not have a box section frame reinforcing strut that extended from the torsion bar area to the front of the floor. It was added at some point prior to the T 2 body changes and I am attempting to find out the time that it happened. So it you have a 1956 or 1957 T 1 356A (any model) that has not had major structural repair in this area, can you let me know either here or directly at: 356drb@indy.net ? The attached photos show:
1) The photo from the 1957 356A driver's manual that shows a very early T 1 with no strut.
2) My 54205 356 with no strut
3) Similar angle of a T 5 356B with a strut
Note that the flexible brake line does not exit through the actual strut on later cars.
T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
- Brett Johnson
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- Harlan Halsey
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
My "56 T1 58071 did not originally have the box section reinforcement along the lower edge of the panel.
It does now as we had the parts, and it seems like a good idea.
It does now as we had the parts, and it seems like a good idea.
- Jim Karaba
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
Speedster 82871 late Dec 1956 did not have the strut reinforcements.
- Jim Clement
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
it the strut that you are referring to the boomerang looking component ?
- Jim Clement
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
this is from T1 coup 59021
yieks.. the picture makes me cringe.. now I know why it costs so much to fix these cars..
yieks.. the picture makes me cringe.. now I know why it costs so much to fix these cars..
- Jim Clement
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
oh.. this feels better..
still from 59021
still from 59021
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
To my knowledge the reinforcement struts did not just appear. The change involved also another change to the chassis structure which is not visible from the outside.
Before this change the reinforcement struts where placed on the inside of the chassis.
With this change the inner reinforcement struts where removed and replaced by the outer reinforcement struts.
In combination of these changes also the front bumper bracket mounts changed. The bumper bracket mounts before this change where always directly attached to front axle.
After the change the bumper bracket mounts where shortened by approx. 2 inches.
Before this change the reinforcement struts where placed on the inside of the chassis.
With this change the inner reinforcement struts where removed and replaced by the outer reinforcement struts.
In combination of these changes also the front bumper bracket mounts changed. The bumper bracket mounts before this change where always directly attached to front axle.
After the change the bumper bracket mounts where shortened by approx. 2 inches.
Lutz Mueller
'56 Coupe #56400
'57 Coupe #102239
'56 Coupe #56400
'57 Coupe #102239
- Brett Johnson
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
Information I have at this time indicates the bumper channel shortening occurred around March/April 1957. The outer box section strut in its final version was in place by May 1957. Justin Rio has shown photos of what appears to be a preliminary version of the outer box section, though the inner one illustrated above makes a good case for why the brake line was moved to the mounting tab from this chassis area earlier. I am interested in other cars with the "tweener" strut.
Brett Johnson
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Re: T 1 front frame reinforcing struts -- do you have them?
Hi, Brett, all.
My 57228 did not have the strut.
Jim
My 57228 did not have the strut.
Jim