Export Brace
 

I read any article expounding the virtues of adding an export brace to classic mustangs (I have a '68). Has anyone added a brace and has it helped anything?

Also, are they a pain to install? The article I read had a lot of discussion on maneuvering the shock towers to make it fit.

Don't hesitate putting an export brace on. They make a remarkable difference. They tighten the front end [sheet metal]. The two fenders are now tied to each other and the firewall. The ride is much tighter.

Pain to put on ??? Yes, they can be. I have installed several at my shop. Most can be installed using a floor jack in different locations under the front suspension to push the spring towers out so the bolts line up. After you take off the original two braces the spring towers have a tendicy[spelling??] to tilt in at the top. Jacking in the right places forces them back out where they belong.

It is worth the trouble. I don't run a Monte Carlo bar though. It won't fit my 68 cause of the aftermarket A/C and dual AFB's.

If you have the option, add the Monte Carlo bar. It just gives you bracing in another demension. Remember, these front ends are really just Falcon units. Upgrade as much as possible in the suspernsion and steering. That's my advice anyhow.

Rev

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'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

100% agree with the advise above. Don't hesitate adding the export brace and the Monte Carlo bar. Added both of these to a friends 66 coupe, and the difference in the overall rigidity and handling of the car was remarkable. The shock towers in these cars really do weaken and move over time and these braces are well worth the cost and installation effort.

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1965 K code coupe - numbers matching - restoration ongoing. 1987 LX notch, stock heads and intake, 3.55's and typical bolt on's 13.89@100.25

It'll cost you 50 bucks and an afternoon. I can't think of anything else that'll give you that much bang for your $.

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65 convertible
289 Hi Po
4 speed

Thanks all for your advice. Looks to be overwelmingly possitive. I plan on installing one very soon. I'll let you know how it works out.

They are real easy. The main thing is that the holes probly won't match up at first but the screws move around to fit the export brace. The monte Carlo bar is more of a problem, because on mine you can't take off the rotor cap without taking off the bar. But you can get the ones with the curve.

I can get my ditribtor cap off and on with the Monte Carlo bar installed. I am using a Mallory Unilite though, not the Ford distributor.

Rev

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'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.