The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1955.2 GMC engine compartment support rods

I'm having some work done to my 55.2 GMC, and the guy doing the work was wondering about the curved support rods in the engine compartment. They run from the frame near the lower radiator support to the top of the firewall, one on each side of the engine .I know they have a name but I can't remember what they are called. He also wondered if they are needed. Seems like years ago I read that they were only on the 55.2 and not later years. My questions are, what were they called and are the needed? Thanks.

rbs56, I can't answer all of your questions as I have no way to confirm what these supports would have been called. Someone with access to the correct year GMC Master Parts Book may be able to help. Perhaps "Support - cab or cowl"??? I did some web snooping and came across a couple pics showing the support tubes I believe you are describing. One pic is noted to be a GM pre-production 1956 GMC Pickup with a V8 (1st pic below) and the second was described as a stock 1956 GMC Panel with the 6 cylinder (pic 2). Best guess is these were installed in at least 1955.2 and 1956 GMC's, but again I have nothing to confirm that beyond the pics I found.

As to them being needed, maybe yes/maybe no??? I saw lots of pic of similar year GMC trucks without them, but some engine compartments that hadn't been cleaned up/painted still showed where they had been mounted to the firewall. If you decide to remove them, don't get rid of them IMHO. Either keep them for potential reinstallation at some future date, or offer them up to fellow 'Bolters in the Truck Parts For Sale forum.

My '57 GMC 102 V8 had factory "Kudu Bars". I think that all 55.2 thru at least 57 GMC cabs had the cab studs for mounting the bars. I rummaged through the 55.2-60 GMC Master Parts Book and couldn't find the supports in either section 10 (Sheet Metal), 11 (Frame) or 23 (Body).

I'm wondering if the kudu bars were maybe an option on the trucks, my truck seems pretty well optioned out, except for the v-8 and automatic trans. it has all the other goodies.

Just found GMC Truck Service Bulletin T-3-068 titled "KUDO HORN" STABILIZER, published Feb 15, 1956. I'll post it once our forum's attachment manager recovers from the latest update.

The 1960 GMC Master Parts Book does list the part numbers (there is a different left side part if you have power steering), but does not show the parts.

My 1957 GMC 150 has these.
I always assumed that the Chevy and GMC cabs were the same, with very minor differences.
I wonder why GMC cabs got these and Chevy did not.

GMC's were built stronger for the "professional", where the more affordable Chevrolet's were built cheaper for the homeowner/small business types.

The big GMC trucks from 1955-59 (and maybe other years) also had door wedges to keep the doors from opening when the cab twisted. They also used a three piece big back window where Chevrolet used one piece for their Big Back Window, this also helped make the cab stronger.+

Mike B

Bill, thanks for the info. That's way more than I've seen before on the Kudu bars. The VIN on my truck has the "Y" so I'm having the bars re-installed. I am the guy who is keeping things as original as possible. If the next owner wants to modify things, he'll have free reign. Thanks to all for the help.

Just a follow up, I had the Kudu bars reinstalled. The guy told me they had been fighting with the gaps on the doors to front fenders. After installing the bars, the gaps were perfect. Maybe they help with more than just steering.

I put a steering stabilizer shock on my ‘57 Chevy 3200 and it helps a lot with steering wander, but maybe these Kudu Horn stabilizers could be added to a Chevy also. Cab, door, fender gap could always use a little help too.