1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

[Anthony L.]

Hello,
I have a question regarding the rear axle rebound straps on a 1962. All of my experience over the past 40 years with Covettes has been with mid years and 68's & 69's. I have zero with the solid axles. About 8 months ago I purchased a very nice Roman Red early car (1,800 from beginning of run). I have been trying to locate NOS rebound straps and brackets with no success. I have noticed in most of the major parts house catalogs a variation in the plates that hold the straps into a loop prior to being riveted together with the strap between both plates. Some plates are flat and some appear to have a slight angle. Which is correct? Any recommedations on where I should try to purchase? All responses would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Anthony

[Joe L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Hello,
I have a question regarding the rear axle rebound straps on a 1962. All of my experience over the past 40 years with Covettes has been with mid years and 68's & 69's. I have zero with the solid axles. About 8 months ago I purchased a very nice Roman Red early car (1,800 from beginning of run). I have been trying to locate NOS rebound straps and brackets with no success. I have noticed in most of the major parts house catalogs a variation in the plates that hold the straps into a loop prior to being riveted together with the strap between both plates. Some plates are flat and some appear to have a slight angle. Which is correct? Any recommedations on where I should try to purchase? All responses would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Anthony

Anthony-----


My C1 expertise is probably about as good as yours, but I think I can tell you this with some degree of accuracy;

The plates on either side of the top of the straps have a slight bend in them toward the top. The rivets that retain the plates have heads which face toward the REAR of the car in all cases. The short end of the loop goes toward the axle in all cases.

The straps, GM #3774449, were actually available from GM for MANY years. However, they were finally discontinued about 5 years ago.

Dr. Rebuild is a great source. In fact, that rascal used to have some NOS GM straps in stock. He may still.

[Anthony L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Joe,
Thank you so much for your quick reply. I will call Dr. Rebuild and see if he can help me out.

Best regards,

Anthony

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

There was some bulletin board controversy over whether the rivet heads faced forward or back. Not sure what the AIM indicates. Search the archives (if you care).

There is agreement that the rivets need to be squashed with a tool that leaves certain markings on them. I believe there are kind members who will lend out the tool.

[Dennis A.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

I might add, Strap lenghts were different per car years;
1959....28.36 inches
1960 early...29.90
1960 late to 1962....29.50
(the rivet tool was "beam clamp") wish I had one....

[Anthony L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Dennis/Christopher,
Thanks for the information. Guess I have to find 29.50" length straps. Any ideas where? What kind of marks does the crimping tool apply, as I have access to a "normal" crimping tool?

Regards,

Anthony

[David K.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Beam clamp! Great! They are easy to come by. Is there a size of beam clamp that works best?

[Jack H.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

There was some bulletin board controversy over whether the rivet heads faced forward or back. Not sure what the AIM indicates. Search the archives (if you care).

There is agreement that the rivets need to be squashed with a tool that leaves certain markings on them. I believe there are kind members who will lend out the tool.

The late Dale Pearman had such a tool and would, in fact, lend it to fellow NCRS members. But I don't know what became of it after his passing.

[John H.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Dennis/Christopher,
Thanks for the information. Guess I have to find 29.50" length straps. Any ideas where? What kind of marks does the crimping tool apply, as I have access to a "normal" crimping tool?

Regards,

Anthony

Anthony -

Doc Rebuild may have the 29-1/2" straps, as does Paragon. Many of us called that riveting tool for the plates a "Mongoose" back in the day - I modified a stout C-clamp to do that job years ago when I restored my '57. Paragon has them, and will rent you one for $25.00.

[Anthony L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

Jack/John,
Thanks for the reply. I heard from Dr. Rebuild and his response was quite short. All he said was he ran out of stock 3 months ago and that was it. Guess I will call Paragon. I appreciate the info regarding the rental of the tool.

Best regards,

Anthony

[Anthony L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

David,
Forgot to thank you.

Anthony

[Bert L.]

Re: 1962 Rear Axle Rebound Straps

I am the originator of the "Mongoose" rebound strap riveting tool. I machined and assembled these and sold a couple of dozen over the course of several years, mainly to ncrs members. I ran ads in the Driveline.
My profit margin was minuscule when I factored- in my labor. My main objective was to assist fellow members.
I wrote an article which was published in the Restorer that dealt with fabricating the tool; Vol.21 No.3,Winter issue 1995. The article provided the reader with all the information necessary for its construction and usage.
It does require machine shop equipment to form some of the parts. I have not built any of these for several years, but now with extra time on my hands due to retirement, I may advertise to gauge if enough interest is still present to motivate me to fabricate a few more.
I think everyone was satisfied with the tool's performance, at least I never received any complaints!

Greetings to all. '60 # 1335