Under dash braces
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Pro
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Under dash braces
I've done a lot of reading on the under dash braces and it is still not clear. Does the coupe get the braces? The AIM shows the code for convertible and ac. Is this convertible w/ac only or convertibles and all cars with ac? It appears that I don't have any remnants of the transmission tunnel bracket that mounts the under dash braces but there have been so many repairs by previous owners that I don't really know if they were glassed over. From what I've read it seems to be the majority of the under dash braces were for convertibles only but I have seen online information by owners of coupes that say that their cars are all original and have the brackets.
Le Mans Master
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The coupes do not have braces. Only convertibles. The upper corner gussets, where the braces bolt to, are used on both coupes and convertibles.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Dec 4, 2020 at 07:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
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However if your vette was built on Friday- it might not have braces too!!!
The AIM says only on verts- but the reason the t-top came about was the original targa idea had too much flex.
The braces did not use the transmission saddle on non-AC cars.
There are several that have added the braces on the coupes- And on my vert- I added some support on my bracing too.
Certainly wouldn't hurt.
Richard
Safety Car
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From: Seattle Washington
What are You referring to as the Transmission Saddle ? If it doesn't have the Saddle then what do the braces attach to ? I have a 69 Vert that has assembly marks " AC" below the Heater Core on the Engine side and also has "AC" behind the Drivers Seat. Many people seem to think that only the Big Block cars got the braces has that been proven to be a myth ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
What are You referring to as the Transmission Saddle ? If it doesn't have the Saddle then what do the braces attach to ? I have a 69 Vert that has assembly marks " AC" below the Heater Core on the Engine side and also has "AC" behind the Drivers Seat. Many people seem to think that only the Big Block cars got the braces has that been proven to be a myth ?
Here you go-
AC
Non- AC no bracing to the transmission
Thread Starter
Pro
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That clears a lot up. Not sure why they would make a distinction between ac and non ac convertibles. Wouldn't they have the same issue with the body flexing without the roof regardless of whether it had ac or not? I am thinking of adding the braces to my coupe but the transmission saddle is not reproduced. I'll keep my eye out for a good used one.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by teamo; Dec 5, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Reason
That clears a lot up. Not sure why they would make a distinction between ac and non ac convertibles. Wouldn't they have the same issue with the body flexing without the roof regardless of whether it had ac or not? I am thinking of adding the braces to my coupe but the transmission saddle is not reproduced. I'll keep my eye out for a good used one.
Thanks
Thanks
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Safety Car
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From: Seattle Washington
Yes, its an old thread but I have a new question. The right-side Bar in the above picture is bolted to a Bracket. I assumed it was welded in but I see threaded holes in my birdcage right where it should go. So, shall I assume that it is a bolted in Bracket? I am referring to the far-right lower side. Not the Spot Welded Bracket that is on the upper left. Wile were at it does anybody have a picture of the Rod on the Left Side ? The one that goes from the Steering Colunm to the upper spotwelded Braket ? In the AIM this looks like one of the solid Rods, and not a Tube like the right side. This is all pertaining to a 1969 Convert with out AC.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: Detroit
Another question. Anyone who has installed Vintage Air in a convertible, did you reinstall the braces? I had to remove the front tunnel brace to install the VA evaporator unit. I could install the rear brace with the evaporator in place, but then could not install the right side dash.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Yes, its an old thread but I have a new question. The right-side Bar in the above picture is bolted to a Bracket. I assumed it was welded in but I see threaded holes in my birdcage right where it should go. So, shall I assume that it is a bolted in Bracket? I am referring to the far-right lower side. Not the Spot Welded Bracket that is on the upper left. Wile were at it does anybody have a picture of the Rod on the Left Side ? The one that goes from the Steering Colunm to the upper spotwelded Braket ? In the AIM this looks like one of the solid Rods, and not a Tube like the right side. This is all pertaining to a 1969 Convert with out AC.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Another question. Anyone who has installed Vintage Air in a convertible, did you reinstall the braces? I had to remove the front tunnel brace to install the VA evaporator unit. I could install the rear brace with the evaporator in place, but then could not install the right side dash.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
