Anyone know where I can find bolt spacers/thick washers?
I need to space out my convertible X brace for the new exhaust. I am trying to locate spacers to drop my X brace 1/2"+ and did not want to use several washers.

I tried my local auto parts store with no luck.

I'm using large hex nuts. You could also buy 4 cheap sockets the right size.

The home stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) have a big selection of spacers in different configurations. See if they have what you need. They'll be in the hardware isle with all the screws/bolts/nuts.
In fact, they have a lot of little misc. hardware that can be used on a car that you wouldn't think of finding there. I was surprized.

I'm gonna use 2 steel shims, with 3 holes each for mine, I think it will be cleaner looking than 6 spacers of some kind

John

When I was into 4x4's I used stainless steel pipe nipples to lower the transfer case. Worked great and didn't rust.

I did not think about using one long shim on each side. That is a good idea.
I will look through my local Home Depot. I think Lowes is so much better when it comes to hardware. It just drives me crazy how sloppy the hardware section of Home Depot is.

I wouldn't use the spacers at Home Depot. I looked at them the other day and they are rolled flat steel and the seam is not welded. If you can weld, you could use them after welding up the seam. I think that the body flex and stress placed upon them would eventually split the seam.

You can also use round-stock Steel or Alum. cut to size, and drill a hole in the center.

-John

If you drop the plate down, you will decrease the effectivness of it

Panther:
I agree with you. I have a '68 convertible and when I did my exhaust I had custom pipes bent so they would fit under (behind) the brace. I used 2 1/4" pipes. It's tight, but it does fit. The brace is (in theory) to strengthen the structure of the car and tie the subframe rails together. If you use spacers I would think that you would be reducing the effectiveness of this plate.
Just my opinon.........
D. Schribert
'68 Convertible

I have sub frame connectors so the X brace should be fine with a spacing plate. A plate vs. seprate spacers should provide better structure and look better as well.
Not that I show the car with mirrors under it but it would make me feel better.