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In disassembling the rear bumper of my 1949 series 22 custom eight club sedan (body 2255 chassis 2206) I found an unusual strap. It was secured by the top bolt that connects the right rear bumper guard to the bumper. At the end of the strap was another hole and some electrical tape loosely wrapped around the strap. Two photos are attached. Does anyone have an idea what this strap might be for?

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  IMG_20240704_111013[1].jpg (2,091.39 KB)


  IMG_20240704_110703[1].jpg (2,005.66 KB)

If there was nothing connected to the open end of the bracket but it was in a position to have something attached that could hang down and clear other parts of the body it might have been for an anti-static strap. Those were a fairly common item back in the day in areas with climate conditions where static electricity was an issue.

The straps are not as common today with tires being made with compounds that can conduct and dissipate the static fairly well but are still around. Here is a modern example.




I don't see enough of the bumper to be clear on where the opening in the bumper is located or if that is where you took off one of the uprights but if it is always exposed, another possibility might be for some kind of whip antenna.