I need to install a loop in my '71 El Camino and have no experience with one. I see that it's supposed to bolt in, but to what? Floorpan? Would welding be better? Exactly how far back from the tranny tailshaft should it be located? Thanks in advance for the replies!

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GWM
'71 El Camino 355/400

I must be 6" or less from the front U-joint. It bolts to the floor pan. If your floorpan is similar to a Chevelle you should be able to place the loop right against the front of a floor crossmember under the seats. I used the LAkewood bolt in kit that was about $20 and it fit fine.

Bob...thanks for the response! Is that 6" to the leading edge of the loop or centerline distance? Also, have you heard of anyone welding the loop in as opposed to bolting? I have the Lakewood unit too. Thanks!

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GWM
'71 El Camino 355/400
TH350/3.73 Posi 10-bolt

Elkie, I got this from sam here at TC sicne I will not bolt it to my pristine floor. It's a little more involved but not much. I'm going to weld two pieces of 2"x 3/8 flat stock to my crossmember and drill holes at the end to bolt the loop to. I don;t know the length yet sicne I haven't crawled under to measure this rig up. I feel it's safer and better if you have a stock ride you don;t want to drill into.

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Chaas
Gold #62/ACES
67 SS396/L88
www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas1.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/chaas1.jpg)

Elkie355,

The NHRA rulebook only says it has to be "SECURELY MOUNTED."

Good Luck,

Jason Gore
AKA DragRacer
jgchevelle@aol.com

Thanks for the input, guys! I'll get it mounted today (one way or another after I look at it) and let you know what I did. I just ain't relishing a carpet redo just for this thing but that very well might be what's required anyway.

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GWM
'71 El Camino 355/400
TH350/3.73 Posi 10-bolt

I'd think bolting it in would be secure enough. Heck, the give you the bolts for it when you buy it (okay, from Summit they do, anyway).
Gene, I drilled holes in the floor! Doh!

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Tom H.
Member #259 www.iquest.net/~harold2/ (http://www.iquest.net/~harold2)

Tom nothing wrong with that, that's "normal" install. Guess I'm just getting "anal" on any mods to my car, it's so uncut and stock I'll take the long road around to keep it that way.

Yeah, I can dig that. I started to feel that way when I looked at the uncut floor, and then I reminded myself, "You guys have very little money. You don't have tons of time or energy to devote to a fully engineered loop installation. Oh, and this is supposed to be fun." I drilled the holes and quit worrying about it. (Course ours is no SS.)

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Tom H.
Member #259 www.iquest.net/~harold2/ (http://www.iquest.net/~harold2)

Tommy, "full engineered", "tons of money", sheesh, how about two free pieces of strap, a drill and a buddy who is a retiredboilermaker looking for things to do. Cost = $0. It's the time, not the money. OK if I had to buy the stock, maybe $5-10.

Got that tip from sam here at the site. I thinks it's the best way to go, but just IMO.