69 charger upper rear Cross member / shock brace - fitment question

[stephenlocke]

So I've pulled out the old rear shock cross member after it looked like someone made an attempt to learn to weld when adding additional bracing, was not pretty.
So I have a replacement from AMD, and the floor pan forward of the brake is original and not messed with.
When I go to mock up the part there is a 1/2 inch gap either side between the brace and the frame rails.
This is similar to how the original one was and I guess why in the past someone added some extra metal and some atrocious welding to connect the sides together.
Is there supposed to be a gap?
Rear Cross brace under rear bumper is original and not twisted.
No obvious bends in frame rails.
Would love to see how other people's installs look like?

[stephenlocke]

Here's a pic

[stephenlocke]

Couple more.....