I am getting ready to install GW's subframe connectors and was wondering if after they are installed, I could remove the bolt on X-brace from my 68 convertible. I would like to since it would allow me to install a exhaust cross pipe.
Thoughts?

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-Randy
Cars:
<A HREF="http://www.camaroclubkc.com/rs1968ss.htm" TARGET=_blank>68 RS/SS BB ragtop
</A>RWHP: 329.4 RWTQ: 398.9
63 Nova II ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/nova.htm)
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City (http://camaroclubkc.com)

I've got both on mine. But I would have to say the sf connectors made more of a noticeable difference than the x-brace (it had neither when i got it). why not just snake the exhaust pipes up in the tranny hump above the x brace? that's what i did and it worked well. but i would say you'd probably be o.k. without the brace....could be wrong though.
Tybor

I've had my 67 conv. for 15 years. Until I found this site about 8 months ago, I didn't know there was suppose to be an X-brace on my car. The car was my daily driver for a couple of years. It's been on 1000 mile vacations & loaded with 5 people for cruising. I don't have subframe connectors.
I would guess you can remove your X-brace?
Am I hurting my car running w/o it? (a little late to ask that one) What will change if I put one back on?
Thanks for any feedback!
Brichead

Leave the doors open for a few days. You'll learn the purpose of the brace.

Even with the SFC's installed?

------------------
-Randy
Cars:
<A HREF="http://www.camaroclubkc.com/rs1968ss.htm" TARGET=_blank>68 RS/SS BB ragtop
</A>RWHP: 329.4 RWTQ: 398.9
63 Nova II ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/nova.htm)
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City (http://camaroclubkc.com)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by William:
Leave the doors open for a few days. You'll learn the purpose of the brace.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

William, Can you explain??
Why would I leave my doors open for a few days?
I've heard that converts will sag over time, does the brace help?
Thanks!
Brichead

Without the x-brace if you leave your doors open for several days you may find it hard to close them.

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...Dennis
"The '69 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/ww.jpg), the '96 (http://www.camaroslimited.com/graphics/memcars/96ss.jpg) & the club (http://camaroslimited.com/)"

We had a '67 convert parts car about 15 years ago. We had left the doors open for several days while dismantling the interior. When done the doors would not close; the chassis had sagged more than an inch.

The brace ties the floorpan reinforcements together. All that steel is there for a reason.

I don't see how the car would sag with SFC's installed. It welds onto the rear frame rail and bolts onto the subframe.

------------------
-Randy
Cars:
<A HREF="http://www.camaroclubkc.com/rs1968ss.htm" TARGET=_blank>68 RS/SS BB ragtop
</A>RWHP: 329.4 RWTQ: 398.9
63 Nova II ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/nova.htm)
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City (http://camaroclubkc.com)

I have welded SFC, new floors, new rockers including the stout inner. When you jack the back of the car up, you can see the door gaps change. While I don't know that the car would sag if left with the doors open for a few days ( when welded SFC's are installed ) these cars can use all the help they can get. I also have solid body mounts. Next step is additional chassis bracing when I know what will help.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's and I don't worry about stone chips ( yet ).

Interesting post. Obviously the purpose of the center brace is to increase the stiffness of the body to make up for the lack of a roof. The doors are also an integral part of body. I think the X brace is more to cut down on flexing of the body than to prevent sagging in the middle. And I would think that attaching sub-frame connectors would more than make up for the lack of the x-member.

I put a flowmaster system on mine and the X-member would not fit after installation. I took an approach that probably doesn't make any sense in that I added metal spacers between the body and x-member and bolted it in below the exhaust. I'm sure this weakens it but it is still there.

Mark M.

Good point. The brace, in and of itself, simply isn't big enough to prevent sagging. It's for torsional strength, coupled with the under floor brace that runs side to side. The doors, properly adjusted, serve to strengthen front to back stiffness. That's why it's important to properly adjust the convertible door pieces above the striker. I don't remember their proper name but I see so many that don't touch. They need to slightly come in contact when the door is closed to form a more solid link and tie the body together.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's and I don't worry about stone chips ( yet ).

For what it's worth I installed SFC, removed the X-brace and installed the AT exhaust system. It's way better now than before.