[68VertSB2.2]

Do I really need to use the factory X-brace on my 68 Vert??? I have DSE connectors and it will have a roll bar(will add some lateral stiffness) What does the x-brace really do if your frames are connected and you have a roll bar?? I think it just limits you as far as exhaust system. Am I wrong???
HELP !!!

[DjD]

I think it's an integral part of the ragtops structure. Stepping away from car world a moment. Looking at truck frames, they make them stronger by adding cross members. My Colorado has several but when GM used the Colorado frame on it's H3's it added 2 more cross members and shortened it a bit.

Now lets get back to our cars, they don't have full frames, the subframe has one welded in cross member and one that bolts in. Then the body has rear frame rails built into it with no real cross member between them. The coupe has the structure of the roof to help the body provide lateral support between the rails. The ragtop has it's cross brace as a replacement for the roof. Even subframe connectors don't provide much additional lateral support.

Look at the shape of a full floor pan, the tunnel will act as a hing if you provide pressure on the pan from the rockers. Add the cross brace, (even the flimsy factory part) and the floor pan will resist far more pressure and keep from folding at the tunnel a lot longer.

You can have a very functional exhaust with a cross brace, it's just more work. You can shim the stock cross brace or try a Hotchkis cross brace it provides more clearence for the exhaust...

Your roll bar may help but a cage is the only way you would get enough support to think about removing teh cross brace... Well IMO anyway.

[57plymouth]

We were thinking about adding the Convert. bracing under Angie's coupe. Would that add anything or simply get in the way? We are going to add weld-in connectors as well, probably DSE. Any thoughts?

[BPOS]

There wouldn't be anything to bolt it to. The unibody on the convert has a large integral "H" brace structure that the X-brace bolts to. The coupe doesn't have it.

[69RS406 droptop]

As DJD mentioned, here is the Hotchkis X-brace..fits nice.

[57plymouth]

Originally Posted by BPOS

There wouldn't be anything to bolt it to. The unibody on the convert has a large integral "H" brace structure that the X-brace bolts to. The coupe doesn't have it.

I know, but all the H structure is available aftermarket. Can we put all that under the car, then add the bolt in X? Is it worth the effort or will it not add to the strength of the car?

[JimM]

it's certainly possible to put it in, 3 pieces plus the bolt in brace, all installed from underneath. No idea how much strength it would add, probably a bunch.

[davidpozzi]

I have been thinking it might be a good mod for a coupe that would be road raced or autocrossed and didn't want a full cage installed. I think it would add a lot of torsional rigidity to a coupe. BUT probably only be worth the effort if the car had stiff suspension and was autocrossed or raced. For normal street use, it would make the car a bit more solid but not twice as solid, maybe 1/3rd.
Just a guess...
David

P.S. On a Convertable, I'd say the brace is manditory or the car will start to crack apart!

[Hatya]

After reading this i must respond. I was talking to a guy from GW today about thier cat 5 system (im still torn between a max G chassis and just doing some mods) and he told me the Hotchkis vert X brace doesnt do a dam thing. Don't flame me im just the messenger.

I persoanlly can not understand his thinking, I know when i finally make a decision on my vert suspension it will have this if i dont Max G the whole car.

[nbjczk71]

Well, I know this. The problem difference with that Hotchkis brace and DSE's connectors is bolt-in vs. weld-in. When I put my convertible together, I talked with alot of people about this, and simply put, in order to get the highest level of stiffness (which is all you are doing) it must be welded in. Again, I am also just a messenger. But, think about it....it makes sense.

[nbjczk71]

I just finished welding in a set of DSE connectors to my 69 vert. We kept the x-brace in, and simply cut through it and welded all of the pieces together. You will not believe how much stiffer the car is. Before, with the car on stands (front clip off, 502 ram jet motor sitting in the car) if you pushed on the front edge of the subframe, the whole front end moved around. ALOT! And this is a very solid car. After the connectors, the whole car moves together as one, and it feels MUCH more solid. Can't wait to drive it!

[mnm99]

No need for Hotchkis brace. Why would you touch the brace at all? Find a good exhaust shop. I had 2 1/2 exhaust done and it fits with the stock brace. Here's my thread. check it out.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=101950 Scroll down a little and you will see the H-pipe.

[thedugan]

Interesting. I don't have an X brace and I thought with my weld in subframe connectors it would be enough. Think I am going to order a brace. I have the flowmaster kit so I will have to go with an aftermarket brace. Thanks for the info.