Anyone using the Hotchkis X Brace? How is the fit and does it give you extra clearance for 2-1/2'" to 3" exhaust?

Thanks

Bob

Yup, I got one.
It gives you about 2 1/2" in front, 1" in back, more or less.

You can get 2 1/2" through the stock brace . I have 2 1/2" on mine:thumbsup:

I have 2-1/2" in my 69 and the front of the brace needs to be shimmed about 2 inches. Was thinking if I could use the Hotchkis one, it might be easier and look cleaner.

Bob

I have the Hotchkis X brace, bolted in perfect and have good clearance for my Flowmaster 2 1/2 exhaust kit. Brake line does rub on the brace.

I just installed the Hotchkis x brace and a 2 1/2" Flowmaster system. I have Hedman elite long headers, which hang a little low. The Hotchkis x brace still didn't give me enough clearance for the 2 1/2" system. I had to shim it about 1 1/2", but it still worked out. There is no way I could have used the factory x brace with my application.

I used 1in tubing and welded my own up powder coated it and it looks great. total cost about 50bucks

How about a picture or two?

Bob

i will post a pic in a day or two of another one i am building for a friend of mine. I basicly took one inch thick walled tubing cut and notched it to bend to the contours of the original x brace front to rear then took more tubing notched a quarter inch off the bottom of the x's to set down on the front to rear braces =. took me a little time to figure out how to make it look good and functional. it does give me an extra 3/4 in of room for my exhaust. after all bends and cuts were made i tacked everything into place test fit then welded all seams and cuts solid. it is heavy but it doesnt bend or flex like the original. i will post back with pic soon