I am looking for a set of bolt on Traction Master Traction Bars for my 57 Custom. I know it's a tall order to find. Apparently Traction Master is out of business. They still have a web site up but never answer their phone or respond to emails. I am probably going to have to make them.
Well...I decided to see if I could find out some info for you...this is what I cam up with...so apparently you're not the on;y one having issues with contacting them...but...well here:
"Traction Master Company (TMC)
is still in business and manufacturing their classic, Pasadena-designed weld-on (LAT 5) and bolt-on (LAT 6) traction bars, primarily serving the hot rod, muscle car, and vintage racing communities. While they have experienced periods of being difficult to reach, they maintain their original design with updated polyurethane bushings.
Key details regarding Traction Master Company:
Status: Active, manufacturing, and operating.
Products: Known for the classic, period-correct traction bars for 1950s-1970s performance cars, including Shelby GT-350s and Sunbeam Tigers.
Design Changes: Modern versions feature medium-flexible polyurethane bushings, with some designs (like the LAT 5) utilizing double-eared front mounts for better strength.
Availability: Their products are available through their own website and specialty retailers, such as National Parts Depot (NPD).
While there were reports in 2024 of difficulty reaching them by phone, recent reports from early 2025 indicate they are still operational, with some users successfully contacting the owner for parts, including new bushings."
Persistence pays off I guess. Good luck. :006:
Great research! I understand and support the need for using the TMC brand name over 'homemade'. I wanted TMC but found limitations. The TMC bars are not adjustable. The '57-64 frames have many similarities and interchangeable parts but the later frames of this series had wider leaf springs. At the time, the narrower, bolt-on kits were not available for the '57. The weld-on kits may have worked but still didn't address the adjustability issue and the buyer had to do their own research to get the correct length. So, I just made them. The adjustability feature is big. Other TMC owners have commented on handling characteristics. Under heavy second gear shifts and the tires break loose, the car had a tendency to kick to the right. A couple of twists on the bars and the car 'stuck the landing'.
...a couple more pictures. Just heims joints and swedged rods. The brackets are custom made. The front bracket is not bolt-on...welded to the frame. NOTE: the shocks are mounted behind the axle on Ranchero, Courier and wagons. I drove the car nearly every day and spiritedly with 550HP, built AOD, 4.11 gears and 10" tires. I was very pleased with durability and performance. I added QA1 adjustable shocks which improved ride and launch.
Not sure if you made your own or coated Traction Masters...I ordered 2 sets in 2020.very nice guy who finally answered the phone.. but it took over a year to get them
I went to the bolt on units and didn't want the weld on units.. I had to make bette leaf spring claps but they work well for street use...
I wanted Traction Masters because of the Heritage (which no one seems to care about today)
Hoping it all worked out for you.
Jeff
I wanted the original Traction Masters as well. Bought mine a while back and delivery was pretty good as I remember (2017ish?) Happy with them. I had the muffler shop weld the bracket to the frame with the suspension loaded.