US Cartool front frame brace

[b5blue]

I just ran across this piece for reinforcing the lower radiator cross-section, looks pretty cool! Chris sent me an email highlighting how you weld inside all the holes and around the edges. I'm impressed, what do you think? 
http://store.uscartool.com/66-70-B-Body-Core-Support-Stiffener_p_49.html
     

[69rtse4spd]

Interresting, wonder if anyone has used it yet.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Figures a few months after I bought the old round bar model they come out with this cooler looking one.    Wish I would have waited for this one. Dang!

[JB400]

I think it'd better to remove and replace the existing factory one and install this one instead.  It shows it could work in the text.

[b5blue]

I was looking under the car and the small center support bracket would have to be removed and changed for reinstall but it looks like this could be installed from under the car with just the radiator removed....

[TexasStroker]

Geez...that looks an awful lot like my little sketched prototype here!

I thought this was going to be their round bar one I posted awhile back...While I think that one would work I just knew I wouldn't like the look of it...As much as I hate to say it, the XV piece looks way better.  That said, I still send an email in to them every 4-6 weeks to see if they have decided to produce the flippin' thing...I was hopeful when the ECB and Inner Fender supports came back in...that alone was a few months ago    I feel for you White & Red 69 as I nearly caved a few times myself these past 2 years.

This new one is very nice and a step up from the round tubing...I can't tell if this new piece from US is just stamped, or boxed...I am guessing based on the shadow it must just be stamped...I shot an email off to confirm.

I am still likely to pull the trigger on it as xv has given me no reason to expect their part any time in the next few years.  I can then use this US Car Tool one to trace for my custom version...I could never find anyone local with a core support I could borrow.  I'll probably build my concept just since I've thought the thing out.  That way I can compare them etc. 

Can anyone tell me if the XV piece was .250" wall?  If this US one works for my template, I will build one heck of a brace 

[Rolling_Thunder]

I cant speak for accurate measurement - but I remember my XV brace being pretty thick walled....     

BUT - if they aren't in stock I would make your own. I have heard XV is really bad about keeping stuff in stock at times.

[Mike DC]

 
I would think radiator clearance would be a bigger issue with all these rad support braces than how they look. 



This new item seems like a good idea if for no other reason than it doesn't eat up space for the stock-type rad. 

I could go without the lightening holes, though.  Seems like it would look less obtrusive if they had just left it smooth. 

 

[b5blue]

The holes are for welding. 

[Troy]

The holes are for stiffening I bet. See how they are "dimpled". It's the same way airplane parts are made.

Troy

[TexasStroker]

Rolling_Thunder they aren't horrible at it...they're GREAT at not keeping stuff in stock...I've waited I believe right at 2 years and despite the brass supposedly buying a bender to do the part in house, they've yet to crank one out...I still like the simplicity of their design and the price...from the pics it looks just like .250" to me, but I haven't seen one in person.  I've never known of a company that could sell something so simple, that they can make it in house, and won't do it...I've bothered them since March 2011 about it and am still empty handed.  The guy who responds to me is professional and nice, but it is just too simple of a part and staple to the founding of the company to have been MIA for this long.

I got my response back, very quick I might add, from US Car Tool...basically asked if it was indeed stamped and not boxed and if so what gauge metal they used...here was the response:

"The core support brace you are talking about is a cnc cut and bent piece. It is formed out of 12 gauge mild steel. It has flange holes that we intend to be welded to the original core support to create a boxed structure. Ours does not interfere with any of the factory equipment. there are more pics on our website at uscartool.com under the pictures section."

I've yet to find the pictures section (no internet since I posted here last...cable ple supposed to come Wed), but I assume he just means the pics along with the product.  

I am with Troy in that the holes look to be for stiffening...I do that in a lot of things I fab...shaves weight, increases strength...people never believe that it could be stronger than "in-tact" etc.  Similar concept to the arch.  That said, I really can't make out from the clamped piece any punched holes for spot welding...I do see one that faces up, but as for the sides where it would overlap and spot weld to the frame rail I'm not seeing jack.  If you check their site you can see it installed on a Dart for a better visual.  

I'll request a shot from behind and fully welded, not just clamped.  I also asked if he could clear up if they mean they want it basically "covering up" the original lower core support, or they want it cut out and are implying it spot welds to the upper core support and frame rails to kind of box in the corners.

If I have a real internet connection, I'll prob spring for it and their Inner Fender Braces...If I don't like it I can use it and my then pulled core support to make the cut I want and go from there.  I remember somewhere on here a guy mentioned Auto Rust would make "thicker" lower core supports on request I believe...Not sure how long ago I read it, but I do remember it...I guess that would be the ticket if you want to beef things up a bit, but look stock.

To me the drilled/punched look ties in with the K-Member/Torsion Bars and front valance's appearance...It isn't exactly how I'd have done things, but it works...looks pretty sinister on the Dart.  I'm planning on running the front spoiler after this is wrapped up and the valance is straightened...that may conceal it a bit more.

I will post back when I hear back from them...I imagine they'll respond quick, I just don't know if I'll have a connection to pass the info on...Their site shows this (68-70 B Body) is their #1 seller...if anyone has picked it up and installed already let us know!

[six-tee-nine]

Dont get me started about XV..... been waiting forefer for their brace. I guess they dont like to sell their stuff.

I thought about the US cartool round one, but if I want a round one, I'll fab it myself.

I decided to make a brace out of round tube that fits behind the original rad support. I even think there is a member here who already did it but I cant recall who it was....

[Patronus]

Getting ready to get this in there, also just added the XV rad brace we had laying around. Going to fab similar plates to the front frame rails. The holes are to weld around the inside attaching it to the existing brace. Thanks OP for posing!!

[TexasStroker]

Chris has already responded to my email and sent pics showing where they intend to weld...I'm at work and can't open them (go figure).  If I have a connection tonight, I'll post here.  It looks like they do in fact want you to keep the factory stamped piece and weld this over it.

I'm sure the pics will make sense of it all...They put red lines where they intend you to weld.  He did say you could use this to replace the factory piece, but it wouldn't be as strong...they are intended to be used in conjunction.

My issue there is the flimsy, factory piece on my car is far from in good shape...I'd prob have to cut the spot welds and re-shape it to go this route...

Patronus, are those the E-Body Inner Fender Braces from US Car Tool?  How do you like them?  I may spring for their B-Body pieces.

[Patronus]

Yeah, from US tool. So far so good I guess. Cant say much as Im writing this from Key West, FL. Bro back home has been doing all the work so far. I will start a thread soon, just wanted some popcorn room.. I would really think you could just fab up your own rad brace. If you can weld it in, you can make it.. just cut a prism shape out (3 sides) bend it and weld it. Vola' and probably look cooler anyway. 

[TexasStroker]

Yeah, from US tool. So far so good I guess. Cant say much as Im writing this from Key West, FL. Bro back home has been doing all the work so far. I will start a thread soon, just wanted some popcorn room.. I would really think you could just fab up your own rad brace. If you can weld it in, you can make it.. just cut a prism shape out (3 sides) bend it and weld it. Vola' and probably look cooler anyway. 

Nice...look forward to it.  I am thinking that is what I will do.

[TexasStroker]

I'm home and have a crawling connection, but it was good enough to see the pics.

All the drilled/punched holes are in fact to be welded like b5 thought...I did not anticipate that. 

They also want you to weld along the seams.  Again, my personal issue with that is the fact I'd have to basically use a spotweld cutter to get the lower end off, straighten it, weld it back in place, and then weld this to the factory stamped piece.  They did say you could use their piece without the factory backing, but it isn't their preferred install and results in a much weaker brace, which of course kills the point.

I think this is a great option for folks with a straight/clean lower radiator support...Given that the holes are welded, I would personally either fill them in and grind it smooth, or use All Metal etc to flush them out and truly make it look like a factory piece.  Then again, might look decent with just the circles traced out, I'd have to see it, but my initial call would be to weld, fill, smooth, and black it out.

Here are the pics from Chris at US Car Tool (I didn't take them, I just have things set to add my name or a website to all the pics I upload...I just added the text to explain the red lines): 





I should point out this is the B-Body Version...Chris said the A and E will be similar in terms of where to weld, but slightly different.  If you've got any tech questions they have a nice form that is updated with each follow up and they have been really quick to respond and send pics etc.  Seems like a nice place to do business.

[JB400]

I think I'll skip the US Cartool brace.  Looks like it'd be better to just remove the factory one and add in a new one out of thicker steel instead of just doubling up.