I noticed the exhaust manifold bolts on my '66 Toronado has these weird lookin' brackets between the bolts. I'm assuming these are to keep the manifold bolts from working themselves loose? Mine are rotted off on the center and need to be replaced, I guess. I've never seen a locking device like this before.


Found a pic of the bolt locks in Fusick catalog - the EML65 item

 

In my experience they are not really necessary but if originality is an issue then its up to you.

 

Those things just act like a mechanical barrier that keeps the bolt from turning. It was a pretty simple way for the factory to install something that would retain the fasteners. Once you torque the manifold bolts, you need to bend down the small 'ears' on that piece to rest against one of the flats on the bolts. That's what is supposed to keep the bolt from turning.

 

Ahh, excellent info......thanks everyone!