1968 Under Dash Braces Missing?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
1968 Under Dash Braces Missing?
In my 1968 assembly manual, UPC 1, page A 6.5 and A 6.6, there are a group of under dash brace rods shown. I have the dash out of my '68 roadster and there are no such braces in the car. Not only that, but I see no sign of any of the attachment points show in the AM. Are these braces something that were added later or am I actually missing something here? If they are missing, whoever took them out took everything out including all the braces on the tunnel and below the windshield pillar. But I don't even see any indication there was ever any of the bracing there. You'd expect to see empty rivet holes, or spot weld tracks....something! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
Mines a 69 coupe with air, and I saw the same thing. I don't think anyone was inn there since it was built, (Jan 69) so my assumption was that they just didn't get put in. Mine however did have mounting locations for the rods.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Originally Posted by kaiserbud
I think those braces are for the verts only
Once again, thanks for the help. This forum is so freakin' cool!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Well, now this is getting interesting. There are braces on some 68's so that means it may be a part-year production thing.
If anyone has a chance to take a picture of the center console area where the rods attach to the bracket on the tunnel, that would help me understand exactly where I should be looking for signs mine ever did have this bracket. For now, I can't see anything that would indicate my car ever had rods installed. The AIM is pretty clear where the bracket should be under the A pillar and there are no markings there.
I wouldn't worry about it much except I know the 68 vert had flexing problems to begin with so if possible, I may want to see how tough it would be to retrofit mine with these rods. Discovering that it may have had them originally would mean that any other needed items (backing plates, etc.) may be in place to make a retrofit easier.
If anyone has a chance to take a picture of the center console area where the rods attach to the bracket on the tunnel, that would help me understand exactly where I should be looking for signs mine ever did have this bracket. For now, I can't see anything that would indicate my car ever had rods installed. The AIM is pretty clear where the bracket should be under the A pillar and there are no markings there.
I wouldn't worry about it much except I know the 68 vert had flexing problems to begin with so if possible, I may want to see how tough it would be to retrofit mine with these rods. Discovering that it may have had them originally would mean that any other needed items (backing plates, etc.) may be in place to make a retrofit easier.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
My 68 has the dash/scuttle braces and the rear chassis braces as well.
Late production (may 68)
Late production (may 68)
Last edited by RHD '68 L89; Nov 30, 2005 at 01:53 AM. Reason: spelling as usual
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by kaiserbud
I think those braces are for the verts only
The braces, brackets, and related hardware are definitely there on my '68 convertible. She has an April build date. Check the AIM page to see if it doesn't specify "67" for convertibles.
