Rear support braces..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Rear support braces..
Hi- I have a 68 BB convertable and I would like to know if adding the rear support braces on the rear crossmember to the axle Kick-up area
(I believe after the 68 model year they added them to 69 and later vehicles) would it add much strength by welding these on?? thanks
(I believe after the 68 model year they added them to 69 and later vehicles) would it add much strength by welding these on?? thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,351
Likes: 2,077
From: California
Be careful!
We have both a 1964 and a 1968, and have a 1972 and the 1964 through the 1967 adding those would interfere with the body. I am looking at the 1968 and there might be a problem there also. It is hard to see with the body on. Suggest taking measurements. Would hate to hear that you are trying to drop it back down to the frame and something is getting in the way. The 1968 had alot of carry over from the 1967 year. You may have to cut for clearance on the glass if you do that (add those braces). Also since this was a transitional year, an early car like ours may be different than a late car. 
I bought some of these braces to do this for the 1964 (race car). The 1968 is primarily a street car, therefore not so stressed. Instead I put the rollcage back into the car to triangleate (pardon my spelling I am typing fast) this area. If the frame isn't rotted, then for street you should be ok. It doesn't sound like you are after pure stock concourse restoration, if you need the strength bring a bar down from the upper portion of that rear kickup area and tie down to the frame rail. This also makes for a great bit of added protection to you sitting in that seat from a side impact.
I bought some of these braces to do this for the 1964 (race car). The 1968 is primarily a street car, therefore not so stressed. Instead I put the rollcage back into the car to triangleate (pardon my spelling I am typing fast) this area. If the frame isn't rotted, then for street you should be ok. It doesn't sound like you are after pure stock concourse restoration, if you need the strength bring a bar down from the upper portion of that rear kickup area and tie down to the frame rail. This also makes for a great bit of added protection to you sitting in that seat from a side impact.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
I added them to a '68, the frame didn't have them...No interference at all...but check your body to be sure. I think you can buy the braces, you may tack them in place and do a trial fit.
P.S. Both of my '68's have them. (From the factory). Both about S.N. 15,000
P.S. Both of my '68's have them. (From the factory). Both about S.N. 15,000
Last edited by big_G; Mar 21, 2006 at 10:23 PM.
