[DeTomaso] Engine Bay Brace question

[jderyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/21/09 12:43:14 PM, kenn_green at yahoo.com writes:

> Are the original braces too short?
> 
Yes. As with all the aluminum bay-braces I've ever seen, the designs 
attempt to put side loads from cornering into two flimsy sheet metal mount-tabs 
with slotted holes! By lengthening the bar ends, the loads actually transfer 
thru the back and sides of the welded pockets, and the tabs then only keep 
the bar from popping out of position. The pockets are really the tops of the 
shock absorber mounts on the other side of the inner fender panels. Further, 
the center clevis on 'adjustable' bay braces allows the home handyman to 
GRADUALLY add preload to a partially collapsed rear frame, which if 
uncorrected, causes massive negative camber and rear tire tread edge wear, as well as 
cracking paint and sometimes, cracking sheet metal near the gas tank filler. 
Done gradually over time, the condition is correctable and eventually 
results in a better handling Pantera. 
Loads go into the clevis in a straight line so its quite strong IF the 
jam-nuts are kept tight. 
My 2¢- J DeRyke