Extra convertible bracing in engine bay

[steveh326]

on my 66 gt convertible, I have 2 extra tubular braces coming from the firewall out to the inner fenders. When the car goes back together, I'll be installing a scott drake export brace and a monte carlo bar. Will this let me eliminate these extra braces that came on the convertibe?

 

[cmayna]

I don't see why you can't remove those before you install the new export brace. Why don't you post a pic of them.

 

[steveh326]

car is in shop in W. VA and I am at home in MD... no pics sorry. hoping to get up there this weekend and get some work done. I don't know if all convertibles came with these, or just the GTs. my brothers vert is non-GT will check his when I get a chance also.

 

[AtlantaSteve]

You can see the braces he's talking about here, in the first message:

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/class ... brace.html

I'm pretty sure all the early verts came with them. Not sure what year they quit using them.

 

[beach pony]

You will have no problem removing them and replacing them as suggested. I removed mine and put back only the export brace and have no trouble at all.

 

[steveh326]

You will have no problem removing them and replacing them as suggested. I removed mine and put back only the export brace and have no trouble at all.

thanks... yes pics above are what I am referring to. I figured the export brace would add sufficient strength... no clue why Ford did this bandaid solution instead of just installing the export brace to fix the issue with the convertibles in the first place.

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

no clue why Ford did this bandaid solution instead of just installing the export brace to fix the issue with the convertibles in the first place.

The tubular braces must have been cheaper than the export brace.

Frank

 

[FordDude]

I'm pretty sure all the early verts came with them. Not sure what year they quit using them.

I believe that they did not start adding the extra bracing until the "65" model year. My Dad's 64.5 does not have the bracing, as all 64.5 Mustangs.

fd