[Eric Kammerer]

Okay guys, I have a question/problem I am hoping someone can help with.

I just bought a 69 convertible that is a rolling shell with all new GM sheet metal hung, and the majority of the rest of the car came in boxes and pieces. To think I sold a 68 convertible driver to buy and restore this thing; why are we all so sick?

Anyway, the 69 is missing the passenger side bolt-on brace that runs between the reinforcement behind the door opening and the reinforcement on the inner wheel house that also mounts the rear of the convertible top assembly. This piece is not available repro, so if I want it, I'm going to have to hunt.

So, my questions are:
1) Does anyone know exactly what this brace is called, and what function it serves? In other words, if it's not on the car, what happens? Having owned and restored the 68, I am familiar with all the bracing on the 'verts, but I'm just not sure how key this peice is.

2) If it is important, would it still be important on a car with weld-in subframe connectors? The 68 had the frames tied, and I'm good friends with the new owner, so if it isn't important after the frames have been tied, I might be able to buy that brace back from the 68.

3) Anyone know where I can hunt for one? I've checked D&R, Rick's, and two local guys that have used stuff, and no one has it. I'll be at the GM Carlisle show in a few weeks to hunt there, but if anyone knows of a Camaro/Firebird Junkmaster General, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance!

[DjD]

Eric - if it's the stamped piece that looks a bit like a dogbone that the hyd ram is mounted behind, I found them critical. I was replacing one of my hyd rams and had to move the car. Backed out the driveway without everything bolted back up and the rear tire on that side rubbed. Went for a drive around the block and every turn to that side there was a rub!! Came home very puzzled and finished the job I had started and decided to look into the rubbing that had manifested itself. Backed out and no rubbing, went for a spin and no rubbing!!

All I can figure is that brace stiffens the rear quarter in a way that keeps it from flexing when the suspension is compresses. I was working on the passanger side where the upper shock mount is way in under the top well compared to the driver side where it's in the trunk (staggered shocks). I didn't remove the other side to see if it did the same, I wonder if the shock placement has anything to do with it...

[Eric Kammerer]

Dogbone is the best way I've heard to describe that piece, so I'll be suing that when I'm calling around. I was afraid they are pretty important. The hunt is on!

[Eric Kammerer]

I did mean "using"...

[DjD]

I'll see if I can find the pieces name in my assembly manual or chassis service manual tonight...

[Eric Kammerer]

I looked in both my 68 and 69 assembly manuals, and my 68 Fisher Body service manual, and did not see them. My guess is that Fisher Body just put them on, and they never really needed to come off because you can get the quarter windows out without dealing with these braces.

[angelglo]

its officially called,

"convertable braces that go inside the rear side panels"

thats what i have always seen it as on ebay.

angel

[RickD]

Email me. I have a parts convertible I can pull one off of.

[Eric Kammerer]

Rick - tried to email you, but it bounced (rdorion@ulster.net). If you read this, email me at e_kammerer@yahoo.com.

Eric

[ragtopman]

....and if you still have been unable to get what your looking for, check out ebay, I think there are some right now.

[69-Z11Pacer]

Eric -

is this the brace you are talking about?



If it is, I may be able to help....

[RickD]

We got hit by a bad T-storm around then with power interrupts. I'll email you from work in the am.

[Eric Kammerer]

Bill - that is EXACTLY the brace I need. Let me know if you can help a brother out.

Rick - I'll wait to hear from you.

Thanks guys!
Eric

[Eric Kammerer]

Okay guys, stand by to stand by...

I think Rick has me taken care of.

Thanks to all!
Eric

[tinygiant]

Not trying to bring a post back from the dead, but...

Anyone out there have any more of these brace available? Still haven't been able to find them in catalogs. I need one for the passenger side on a '68. Thanks for any help...

..ed..