Frame support on an 86'

[phatboy]

On the 86 convertible there is an “x” frame support under the car. The exhaust runs so close it will rattle against it. I am assuming it is there to give the frame better structural support but I can’t imagine it does a whole lot.

Would there be any real down side to permanently removing that “x” support? The only thing I see it doing for me is collecting leaking fluids and rattling exhaust.

 

[c4cruiser]

The X-brace is designed to support the car in longitudinal stess like front to rear bending and streching. It does not really help with rotational twisting. I would not remove the brace.

The X-brace is realtively soft steel and can be easily bent by people thinking it can be used as a jacking point. The front "legs" of the brace should be straight from the front mounting points to where they cross and begin to attach to the body floorpan. Because the exhaust pipes go past the "X", this is where you most likely see contact.

Remove the X-brace and straighten the front section so that it is straight and re-install. You should gain enough clearance for the exhaust. I'v had to do this before with my 92 and a sledge hammer works fine. Just work carefully to get everything straight. The nuts and bolts holding it in place are not real tight Torque the bolts to 46 ft-lbs and the nuts to 20 ft-lbs.

While the brace is off, it's a great time to change the fuel filter (right side frame rail near the pre-cat and also the filter in the tranny. The brace has to be removed to do either one. Check the exhaust hangers back by the differential to make sure the system is hung properly.

 

[vetteboy86]

I had a similar experience with the exhaust pipes rubbing agains the X-Brace. I to do not think it is a good idea to take it off. I ended up taking mine down to bend it out a little, and then put a thin washer on each of the outside bolts. There is plenty of clearance now.

 

[phatboy]

Thanks for the reply. I live on a real bumpy road and the car bottoms out 4 or 5 times a season, I have taken the x support off and bent it straight but that lasts about a week or two. My other thought is to see if I can get an exhaust place to make a pipe with a different bend so I can get better clearance. I was hoping to take the easy route

 

[Vettefan87]

Yeah, whatever you do do not remove that X brace and drive the car. That is there to make the car more rigid, since the convertibles don't have like a fixed roof.