Driveshaft safety loop for a 65

I ordered a universal type from summit. I was looking for any installation experiences--such as how far behind the tranny should it be installed.

I ask this specifically because it seems that the original GT 350 "might" have had them bolted to the underside of the seat belt bolts--that is about the middle of the drive shaft.

_________________
Dennis

65' Stang

393 stroker, Toploader 4 spd, 3:50 rear.

Victor Jr. knockoff heads, 282S cam, Stealth intake, Bigs Stage 5 750DP, Accufab headers, Scattershield, Caltracs.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: dennis111 on 12/31/05 6:42am ]</font>

Here is what NHRA says about them.

2.4 DRIVELINE ( Drive shaft loop 6 inches from the front U Joint)

On any car in which the driver sits over or in back of the rearend center section, a suitable protective shield of .120-inch (3 mm) minimum thickness steel plate must be installed for those units with universal joints securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter. Where possible, couplers are recommended in place of U-joints. For straight couplers, the minimum requirement is .063-inch (1.6 mm) aluminium which must contain an inspection cover for removal and inspection of the coupler, securely mounted to the rearend center section and the bellhousing adapter, or as noted in Class Requirements. In place of a crossmember, in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all cars in competition using open driveshafts, must have a retainer loop 360-degrees of enclosure, 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) minimum thickness and 2-inches (5.1 cm) wide, or 7/8-inch (22.2 mm) x .065-inch (1.65 mm) welded steel tubing, securely mounted and located within "6-inches" (15.2 cm) of the front universal joint f or support of the driveshaft in event of U-joint failure. Recommended the loop be round rather than oblong to minimize loading on loop. Open drivelines passing any part of the driver's body must be completely enclosed in 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum thickness steel plate, securely mounted to the frame or frame structure.

Thats how I did mine



[addsig]

Got it: 6" or less from the front u-joint and as round as possible.

Thanks Bird!!!! [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_spin.gif[/img]

_________________
Dennis

65' Stang

393 stroker, Toploader 4 spd, 3:50 rear.

Victor Jr. knockoff heads, 282S cam, Stealth intake, Bigs Stage 5 750DP, Accufab headers, Scattershield, Caltracs.

[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_spin.gif[/img]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: dennis111 on 12/31/05 7:38pm ]</font>

Be sure and check your clearance around the drive shaft on both sides.
[addsig]

I was under an original 65 gt350 not too long ago. The driveshaft loop does infact bolt to the seat belt bolts. I think Shelby used longer seat belt bolts then used nuts to attach the loop from the underside. From what I remember, the side exhaust was hung from the same location. The driveshaft loop I saw was not metal, it was made of a band similar to a seat belt type of material.

http://www.cobranda.com/GetItemDetai...7&amp;DeptID=2

Here is a reproduction of an original Shelby loop. May not be what youre after but it as at least of pic of what was used. Tim.
[addsig]

Made My own that enclosed the front section and was plated both sides of the floor.