[DeTomaso] Engine Bay Brace question

[Rich]

Guys
The engine brace a attaching tabs certainly has their faults.  But with 
extra effort they are useful.
I added material to the tabs, made the slots holes and added a top plate to 
the tabs to strengthen them.
Also the lower support if the tube is welded better and the bolts have 
plates that pinch the tube flats you can add even more support.
I agree with  the limitations of the original design, but if the braces are 
improved they are really helpful.
Rich
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jderyke at aol.com>
To: <kenn_green at yahoo.com>
Cc: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Engine Bay Brace question


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
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