strut tower braces

[Paul M. Winship]

Concerned with the ability to return my 04 vert. ( 1 of 172 ) back to original spec.; does any one produce a two point tower brace that utilizes the existing shock / strut bolt pattern for install & will provide a noted improvement. . . So far all mods can be removed / returned to spec.; I beleave the 04's will be collectable but , I still want to play !!! OTHER ??? Is there a mid-west track associated with a mustang club that will let vert's out with-out a roll bar .

[sonicblue03]

I don't think anyone makes a brace that bolts to the struct mounts. I don't think you will find any organization that will allow you on a road course without a roll bar.

[stangluvr]

Maximum Motorsports strut tower brace bolts to the strut towers. You have to drill holes. I have Kenny Browns which you do not have to drill holes in the strut towers but you still have to drill holes in the firewall by the back if the hood. I have seen one that is only a 2 point that will do what you want but I am not sure who makes it because it's been a while since I was inthe market. I could be mistaken but Kenny Brown might have made a 2 point as well. The problem with Kenny brown stuff is that he is closed for business so you can't ask them directly. However there is still plenty of his stuff out there for same through all of his distributors.

I'd pull out the latest Mustang Magazine and start looking at all the online catalogs for the multitude of vendors. It might take some searching but I am fairly sure someone out there has what you are looking for.

[RevMatt]

Maximum Motorsports strut tower brace bolts to the strut towers. You have to drill holes. I have Kenny Browns which you do not have to drill holes in the strut towers but you still have to drill holes in the firewall by the back if the hood. I have seen one that is only a 2 point that will do what you want but I am not sure who makes it because it's been a while since I was inthe market. I could be mistaken but Kenny Brown might have made a 2 point as well. The problem with Kenny brown stuff is that he is closed for business so you can't ask them directly. However there is still plenty of his stuff out there for same through all of his distributors.

I'd pull out the latest Mustang Magazine and start looking at all the online catalogs for the multitude of vendors. It might take some searching but I am fairly sure someone out there has what you are looking for.
:hehe: Thank you!! :spinem:

[stangluvr]

I made a couple of errors before I started checking this forum and doing other research. I have learned quite a bit here. So any time I can help somebody out with info to keep them from making what they might consider a bad choice after the fact, I am glad to help. :tmb:

[RevMatt]

I made a couple of errors before I started checking this forum and doing other research. I have learned quite a bit here. So any time I can help somebody out with info to keep them from making what they might consider a bad choice after the fact, I am glad to help. :tmb:
texas Mustang (online) still has some Kenny Brown in stock!! :bna
Again, thanks! :tmb:

[gcassidy]

I'd go ahead and get out there and play, even without a STB. The jury's still out on how much, if at all, it actually helps the handling of a car. And I'm sure you can have just as much fun without one. If you get hooked, and find you need to do it all the time, than you'll need a rollbar, and the holes for a STB will be nothing.

BTW, I believe I read somewhere that Ontario's On Track is not requiring rollbars.

http://www.svtownersassociation.com/svtoaforums/showthread.php?p=91322#post91322

I'd check before registering. But that might be a bit far for you.

[beerkat]

There was a thread last year that talked about convertibles doing SVTOA events. They must have roll bars and run with the top up. I think that is was in the SVT lounge forum. Some clubs will do a lead follow session for convertible that do not have roll bars, but those are becoming rare.

When I bought my '03 Cobra I knew it was going to be on track so the first mod I did was a AutoPower roll bar that met the SCCA and NASA standards. It is a bolt in. I have delete the rear seat and have taken out the front seats and replaced them with OMP racing seats. I have six point harnesses and SFI padding on the roll bar, the SFI rating is a new requirement for all roll bars. I even have arm restraints so I can run with my top down.

By the way my Cobra is a 10th Anniversary edition. I guess having fun and using the car the way it was meant to be used is more important to me than what the resale value of the car is.

Also I have the MM strut tower brace and the C/C plates, both require holes to be drilled. Enjoy your car and have fun. Do not worry about the future because the future may not be there. :wtf:

[EbloomPonycar]

I like your thinking as I have the same vehicle as you and have the same beliefs. Do you have some pics of the MM strut tower brace in place. Where did you purchase the autopower bar and what model is it.

Thanks,

Eric

[beerkat]

I got my roll bar from Carolina Mustang because they were the closes to me so I saved a drop ship charge. If you go to the AutoPower web site you can find which dealer is close to you. http://www.autopowerindustries.com/Roll_Cages.htm

I will take some pictures of my car as it is now and post them for you later. You will have to over look the dirt on the car.

here is a link to some pictures of my car and the way it looks now.

http://www.bmcforums.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2408

[DM83024]

Check with Rich ( Engineered Performancd Parts ) for new fabricated Kenny Brown
products. 800-913-8620

[JRHWhiteSnake '04]

I don't think anyone makes a brace that bolts to the strut mounts...

Probably because it would be very hard to make alignment adjustments that way.

(dumb idea, just like "cold" air intakes that suck in underhood air
that isn't cold, unless the hood is open during a dyno... :p )

[RevMatt]

I got my roll bar from Carolina Mustang because they were the closes to me so I saved a drop ship charge. If you go to the AutoPower web site you can find which dealer is close to you. http://www.autopowerindustries.com/Roll_Cages.htm

I will take some pictures of my car as it is now and post them for you later. You will have to over look the dirt on the car.

here is a link to some pictures of my car and the way it looks now.

http://www.bmcforums.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2408
:jawdrop: I'm the wrong color!!

[beerkat]

I did not know at the time that you needed to be a member of BMC try this link. It likes all colors as long as it is a Mustang.

http://www.mustangrodder.com/forum/index.php?topic=184.0

[EbloomPonycar]

It fits with the top up? Looks like it might be tight. Looks hefty. I may have to go that route sometime in the future. Do you have the factory sub frame connectors or have you installed something a little stronger.

[gcassidy]

Kim, looks like I've got the same AutoPower rollbar set-up. Only difference is I still have stock seats, but I went with Kirky's high density foam padding. Where'd you get your numbers from?

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10506582371.jpg&s=x402
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10506580050.jpg&s=x402
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10507000720.jpg&s=x402
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10421293990.jpg&s=x402

Eric, 2 places I'm familiar with in our area that can install AutoPower rollbars are:
Springfield Motorsports, and Brooks Performance.

Paul, Brooks (and probibly someone in your area) can install an AutoPower bar in a way that you can later return the car to stock, by removing the bar and gluing back in the 3" circle of carpet saved from the install. There's no cutting of the plastic panels in the rear seat area. On of the advantages of a convertible. You can have your cake, and sell it later. :D

[beerkat]

It fits with the top up? Looks like it might be tight. Looks hefty. I may have to go that route sometime in the future. Do you have the factory sub frame connectors or have you installed something a little stronger.

It is not as tight as it looks, even with the top up there is still some room between the two. Yes I am still running the factor sub-frame and k-brace. I run on the philosophy that I do not need to upgrade my car parts until I am out driving what I have. After riding with others driving my car I know that I have a season or so before I will change much

Next season I hope to have put on a coil-over suspension.
I also have a set of Avon R track tires that I will try a Roeblig Road for the first time

[beerkat]

Yes Greg it looks like we do. You have a nice looking ride I like your padding matching your car, I am just lucky that I have a black car. Three of the groups that I run with are requiring that all roll bar/cages use SFI padding in area where a person might hit it. So the padding that is on the loop now I will need to change before I run again.

I, with the help of my brother, installed the roll bar in my car. It took about 4 hours to do. I can put my car back to stock if I want to except for the carpet, maybe. You do need to trim some plastic but it is in an area that is not seen.

[gcassidy]

I can put my car back to stock if I want to except for the carpet, maybe.
And the SOLD SEATS! :spank:
Or did you hang on to them? The OMP seats look good, but I'm under orders from she that earns the big check, that the seats shale not be replaced. She had enough of me racing years ago, and this is supposed to just be a "fun" car now. For some reason, supportive seats equal a race car. :huh:

Prices online for the SFI seem to run $18~$20 a stick. I got mine from OG Racing (www.ogracing.com), but it's all over the place.

Did I already ask you if you're making it up to Summit this year? I'll be breaking in my Avons there. Lee is wussin' out, something about work. Priorities all mixed up. :knock:

[beerkat]

No I did not sell the seats, altough I have not delete the post. A friend of mine thinks that 30 years from now it might be worth something. He also says to play with as muchas I want too. I am like you in that my wife makes the big bucks because I am retired. But since we knew that this was a track car when we bought it the safer I am the happier she is.

Pegasus racing supply has for 16.??. I have bought some from them before.

No Summit Point this Year. I am trying to stay with NASA-SE for most of my events. Besides Summit is 8-9 hour drive for me.

I got my numbers from http://www.izoomgraphics.com/ They can be removed and reused if you wanted too.

[gcassidy]

Thanks for the link to the numbers. I take it you got the magnetic ones?

And I'll have to contact them to see if they've mounted one of those tire tails on a Mustang, yet. I'm in the process of looking for a small trailer, the hard part being finding a hitch I can install. But that item looks like a viable alternative.

How are you transporting your tires? Or do you have a trailer for that pickup in the background?

[beerkat]

The numbers I got are not magnetic, they are more like a sticky note that can be removed and reused. You just have to make sure to have a very clean surface before putting them on. I just leave mine on since I do not use it as a daily driver.

I have a trailer for the car. It is a long story but you need to be able to get home if you break at the track or on the way home. I tow with my wife's BMW X5 4.4i. It does a great job. The truck you see in the background is my Lightning and the suspension is to soft to tow my car. I guess that the tires will go into the back of the beemer for now.

Check out this link http://www.svtcobraclub.com/forums/ I know that a couple of Cobra owners have put trailer hitches on. I think that the hitch is for a GT but not sure,

[RevMatt]

I did not know at the time that you needed to be a member of BMC try this link. It likes all colors as long as it is a Mustang.

http://www.mustangrodder.com/forum/index.php?topic=184.0
Approximately how much $ did it set you back?

[beerkat]

Not digging out the ticket I think that the bar was around $500 give or take $100. I bought some other things at the same time is why I do not remember. I think that they are pretty much the same price no matter where you get it.

I went to the MM site and I think if I read right the basic bar is 318 and then you add 139 for the harness bar. Whatever $450 looks to be a fair price. I saved 100 in shipping going to the store that order it for me.

[RevMatt]

:allhail: I appreciate the tips!! :tmb:
:spinem:

[gcassidy]

I looked up my receipts from 2002. My AutoPower rollbar w/bolt-in diagonal and horizontal brace cost $387.33, plus $45 truck freight from CA. Should be a little less for your shipping. :rolleyes:
Install costs are whatever you can negotiate, but you can do it yourself with some help. Verts are so easy to work on. :tmb:

[RevMatt]

Concerned with the ability to return my 04 vert. ( 1 of 172 ) back to original spec.; does any one produce a two point tower brace that utilizes the existing shock / strut bolt pattern for install & will provide a noted improvement. . . So far all mods can be removed / returned to spec.; I beleave the 04's will be collectable but , I still want to play !!! OTHER ??? Is there a mid-west track associated with a mustang club that will let vert's out with-out a roll bar .
:thud:
Do I need to pull the entire dash to install this thing? Hellllllllp!
Thanks!

[beerkat]

I installed the MM strut tower brace, it is a three point also, and I did not have to do anything with the dash. Can you post a picture of the brace or a link to it?

[gcassidy]

:thud:
Do I need to pull the entire dash to install this thing? Hellllllllp!
Thanks!
I think what you're talking about is how you attach the bolts from behind the firewall, yes? You need to remove the trim from below the windshield wipers. It's not hard.
For those still wrestling with the thoughts of a STB, follow this very thought-provoking thread that looks at the issue from an engineering point of view:
http://forums.corner-carvers.com/showthread.php?t=448&goto
Keep in mind, these are mostly racers and auto crossers. I have a brace, mostly because it's a vert, and it cuts down on shake. I can't say I can notice any diff without it, but I haven't run on track without it, so there you go.

[427windsorman]

beerkat, thanks for the pics. I am going with the MM STB... It looks damn good under your hood :)