Brace Support

[bobfil]

I have a 72 convertible stock rebuilt frame , just wondering if anyone has beefed up with a brace,
the lock pillar cross support panel for more support on convertibles.Not looking for a roll bar, just flat
piece of steel 3'' or 4'' wide with ends bent to form contact fit with lock pillars. Thanks Bob

 

[TimAT]

I've been looking at the SHARKBAR. It's designed as a mount/support for a 5 point harness, but it looks to me like it would also double as support from the lock pillars as it mounts across the car behind the seats.

(I'm too cheap to buy a real sharkbar, so I'll probably fab something out of 4130 tube and some flat plate.)

 

[6880 Mike]

You shouldn't need any additional bracing.

 

[bobfil]

TimAT , what type of design were you thinking about. Don't like shark bar cause I use shoulder harness, don't want to use that bolt hole, and besides I like the room in back for convertible. Thinking just some flat metal tacked welded or riveted to panel between lock pillars, not sure if I want to tie in ends to lock pillars for fear of doors not closing properly, or anything weird happening ? 6880 Mike, just looking for a little cross support there, as convertibles don't have as good body tie ins as coupes, just my opinion. Just looking for little extra support, and any opinions ,thanks Bob.

 

[TimAT]

I was looking at longer bolts in the top mounts, a flat plate toward the floor and a bar between them. Be un-handy for getting into the storage, but would allow me to add a harness.

As far as adding any stiffness into the body, I've never seen or heard of anyone that has seen any fiberglass cracks anywhere on the body that would indicate it's needing some added support. The old Chevrolet Power Manual had a load of stuff on stiffening the frame around the front suspension, but nothing about the body. Unless you're getting into some serious twisting turns, I don't think the body needs much help.

IF you're just looking at shoulder harness, there are 2 holes in the back over the wheelwells that were there just for that. Same place the rear support bars for the Sharkbar mount.