[67gtospud]

When I bought my 67 gto I knew the frame was broken behind the rear wheel. The car was originally an automatic car. When I removed the frame I replaced the rear section and fixed the frame. I since then switched the car to a 4-speed. I had looked around for some time for a set of used original frame braces that connect the rear upper and lower control arms and I noticed most of them had been repaired around the bolt holes. I need up ordering a new set of braces and they seem a little thin for a brace but they do seem sturdy. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to set them in place then weld a washer to them around the holes for added strength. I don't intend to race the car but seeing as how I'm only 20 I can guarantee the car will see some hard launches.

[tiacguy]

I just addressed this same issue. My fix was to buy black Phosfhate grade eight flange bolts and flange locking nuts to replace the factory bolts. Im not building concource so its an easy fix. I used them in the front suspension also. You can buy it all on Ebay. I buy from the vendor boltbarn very reasonable prices. Scott.


The size I used was 1/2-13x3 1/2

[lust4speed]

Sounds like you already purchased a set of stock type braces. If not, these pieces from Global West are really beefy and are adjustable.

[SD421]

I bought the Factory type that PY & Ames sells back in 1990 and I have had no issues since.
-Don

[HWYSTR455]

You would be shocked at how much all that stuff moves around from the factory, any bracing helps. The factory braces are flimsy at best.

I do the entire set for the rear on all my a-bodies, forget the OE stuff. A bunch of vendors make, and you can too. Global West, UMI, PST, the list is almost endless.

If there's a spot that sees stress, sure, beef it. But that may just lead to welding all over the frame!

.

[HJones1313]

FWIW, I found that by shopping around, CPP had the braces for about $70, $30 - $40 cheaper than anyone else. I bought a pair and they're adjustable, and nicely made. The stock ones, well, they're just there.

[Keith Seymore]

The stock braces don't need to be all that beefy.

The brace is in tension, as is the upper control arm. The lower control arm is in compression, which is why we box it.

K

[67gtospud]

Yes I did already purchase the factory style braces. I think I'm going to go ahead and weld a reinforcement washer for good measure.

[rexs73gto]

If you want you can add some additional bracing to the factory braces so it will give it a little more of a boxed effect which will give you a little more support.

[unclescratch]

Good comments Keith. I learned about those issues building wooden roof trusses. The concepts apply to a whole lot of different areas.

[rohrt]

There have been some interesting threads in the pro-touring site and beefing up the chassis. From gussets to home made reinforcecment bars.


Schwartz Performance has some interesting videos on how much the stock frames flex. Mostly showing torsional flex. Jump to 4:00 in on this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OzNj1WSOo

I alsways found it a bit interesting that on my old 77 GP they had some reinforcement bars on the front crossmember.

[Schurkey]

The FIRST thing to be done to reduce frame flex--aside from repairing cracks or other defects in the frame--is to replace the body bushings and hardware.

The frame is incredibly flexible, if not outright flimsy. It requires the body to support it.

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/body_bushings.html

[Joel Koontz]

Hjones, or anyone else, have you installed the CPP Braces?

I saw them on Ebay and they look nice, but I am wondering if they might cause clearance issues with my mufflers etc.

The QA1 style ones don't appear to be as heavy duty(and are more expensive) but they look like they might have more clearance.

Anyone have photos of the QA1 or CPP Trailing Arm Braces installed?

[hectore3]

I used the Edelbrock pieces that are tubular.

[Joel Koontz]

Thanks for the photo.

Those are a similar(perhaps identical) design to the QA1s and it appears they take up less room than the CPP style.

Anyone have photos of either style with mufflers installed?

[67gtospud]

Hmm I never thought about alternatives other than factory style braces. I already ordered them and have them installed. I set them in place and welded a washer around each hole. Good piece of mind I guess. Thanks everyone!

[hectore3]

In this case the factory stuff works just fine. The only reason I went with the Edelbrocks was that I had a credit on the some other things. Good luck on your project.

[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by rohrt

There have been some interesting threads in the pro-touring site and beefing up the chassis. From gussets to home made reinforcecment bars.


Schwartz Performance has some interesting videos on how much the stock frames flex. Mostly showing torsional flex. Jump to 4:00 in on this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6OzNj1WSOo

I alsways found it a bit interesting that on my old 77 GP they had some reinforcement bars on the front crossmember.

I'm in the process of boxing a new frame for my 67' GTO. Iv'e seen that video before so i did just a bit of messing around with the torsional flex, before and after I got the plates in and i'm here to tell you the boxing plates make a big of difference just on their own. Obviously its probably not as stiff as schwartz's stuff but its not $25K either!! these frames are wet noodles from the factory.

So talking to Marc from SC&C a few weeks back he mentioned that they are developing a new bolt in front brace for in front of the engine cradle on 64-72 A body cars. Maybe its like the one you had on your 77'GP? He already has a G body brace for sale.

[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by Joel Koontz

Thanks for the photo.

Those are a similar(perhaps identical) design to the QA1s and it appears they take up less room than the CPP style.

Anyone have photos of either style with mufflers installed?

67 GTO. 3" dynomax ultra flo mufflers. UMI adjustable reinforcement arms. I would have to get under the car to tell you how much clearance there it but I think its a lot.





You have to look for them in these two but they do kind of show how they are positioned relative to the muffler...

[archerytony]

Originally Posted by 67gtospud

Yes I did already purchase the factory style braces. I think I'm going to go ahead and weld a reinforcement washer for good measure.

I made my own and welded them in pretty simple