Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

[Brian E.]

My car is a 67 coupe with OEM size bias ply tires on standard rally wheels. New tires. Wheels have been freshly restored. All aspects of the chassis and suspension have been restored. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm close to being able to trailer the car to judging events, shows, etc. (NCRS, Bloomington, etc.). It was recently suggested that I use the rear spindle / wheel bearing / shock mount support (in the rear) and the lower control arm (in the front) when securing my car to the trailer for transport / trailering.

After spending a few years restoring the suspension and chassis I am naturally a little protective ( concerned ) about things like alignment, damaging the finish on the parts where the axle strap would wrap around, etc.

Does ANYone else share my concerns or have ANY different concerns about securing the car to the trailer using axle straps wrapped around the rear spindle / wheel bearing / shock mount support (rear) and the lower control arms (front)? Thanks.

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[David M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

Tire harnesses:

[David M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

Or this style:

[David M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

A third option would be to use the straps you have with a sacrificial wheel that fits the car where you and thread the straps through the rims.

Check out more options here:

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/collections/atv-utv-wheel-tie-down-straps

Through the rim like this:

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

I did and still do almost exactly what you do and have never had an issue The A frame is as strong as you get in the front. The spindle support is as good as it gets with hooks for tie downs versus strips (which I did not have. Carried my C2 and C3 thousands of miles with no issues.

[Dan A.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

Chevrolet made provisions specifically for tie down on 1963 thru 1982 frames. I am not comfortable using suspension parts for tie down. I have yet to learn of the same for the solid axle cars.


There is a slot on both sides of the #3 crossmember for rear tie down. Oblique slots in each front frame horn.


There are tie down hooks specific to GM called R hooks. I have used the other type hooks on occaision. Some swap meet vendors sells sets on a ring with an R, T and J hook like the one pictured . Individual hooks can be purchased from specialty businesses supplying tow truck etc.

I prefer to use E tracks and bonnets for ease of installation and the effects on a car being hauled. But I haven't installed the needed E tracks yet.


I wish I had better photos. These will give you some idea.

Locations1963-7 frame ill.jpg

GM R hook in #3 crossmembertie_down_hooks.jpg

Front frame horn Tie Down Slot/location1963-67 frt outer frame horn - ill.jpg

GM R HookR hook GM-.jpg

[Roy S.]

[Terry M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

There are the frame openings that Dan A suggests in C6 and C8. Bowling Green supports the body with fixtures at these openings while the body id being assembled. I suspect these openings are in all C2 to C8 Corvettes. I know they were used to tie doen the cars during transport for C2 and C3. At some point that did change and currently C8s are tied down in transport by over the tire nets. At this time, I would say it is "pick your poison." What is good enough for Chevrolet should be good enough for us.

[Dan A.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

Credit where credit is due. Terry Mac may not remember, but I do. Terry has shared so much with so many and he clued me in to these frame locations and GM R hooks, Thanks Terry I've used them ever since.

[Terry M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

Credit where credit is due. Terry Mac may not remember, but I do. Terry has shared so much with so many and he clued me in to these frame locations and GM R hooks, Thanks Terry I've used them ever since.

Dan, you are right -- I don't remember, however the fellow who hauls my cars -- all of them even on occasion my daily drivers -- believes in using those openings and the R-hooks. I am glad the designed openings are working for you.

[Ralph S.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

I vote for the factory tie downs

[Bill M.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

I prefer to anchor car by the wheels or the axles this allows the suspension of the car to preform along with the suspension of the trailer

[Ralph S.]

Re: Any reason NOT to use rear spindle/wheel bearing support and lower control arm?

When the cars were shipped on the train parking brake was set transmission was in neutral.