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I have had guys ask me what I meant by boxing the X brace on my car and all I could do is describe it to them and that is still hard to understand sometimes. So, since I had my x brace off for other maintenance I took some pictures of what I did to box the frame. This made the x brace just that much better. I used ordinary mild steel flat stock and I think it was 18 gauge but I don't remember for sure, it is approximately 1/8 inch thick. I hope this helps someone understand what "boxing" is. My car sits low so just ignore the "battle scars" you see. Illinois roads contributed most of them.
I've never owned a convertible Vette but I've pulled parts off several in the wreaking yard. Every time I saw one of these X braces I always thought welding it in like this would be a good idea. Did it make any noticeable difference in handling? Probably makes it easier to jack up.
Ever considered triangulating the center part to the 4 arms? Bet that would be iciing on the cake
How hard was that to remove? Those really do a good job of stopping cowl shake; can they be mounted on a coupe that would be a nice addition. mine would scrape sometimes too stock height never worried about it
I've never owned a convertible Vette but I've pulled parts off several in the wreaking yard. Every time I saw one of these X braces I always thought welding it in like this would be a good idea. Did it make any noticeable difference in handling? Probably makes it easier to jack up.
I also have the camber brace and I can put a jack under one corner and get 3 wheels off the ground. Yes it handles much better
Ever considered triangulating the center part to the 4 arms? Bet that would be iciing on the cake
How hard was that to remove? Those really do a good job of stopping cowl shake; can they be mounted on a coupe that would be a nice addition. mine would scrape sometimes too stock height never worried about it
No, I never gave that any thought. I'm thinking any more would be over kill. JMO
No, I never got it hot enough to need a jig. Stitch welded a few at a time, then move to another position and repeat. It took forever but when I bolted it up it had no misaligment of holes.
I also have the camber brace and I can put a jack under one corner and get 3 wheels off the ground. Yes it handles much better
Sorry, but this is not a measure of....anything. I guess it's more a measure of suspension compliance and travel....but not one of frame stiffness. I can "get 3 wheels off the ground on my stock, no-x-braced C4, too. So.
I agree that it likely added weight w/o much additional strength. The meaningful loads on the x brace are in tension and not so much in bending.
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Last edited by Tom400CFI; Jul 5, 2021 at 11:27 AM.
Boxing the x brace
