63 Hardtop Box Braces?

[Aqua 409]

I am at a point on my 63 SS Hardtop that I need to replace the drivers side Box Brace where the 2nd from last body mount is. It's still on the frame. Should I do it now or wait until I take it off the frame where it would be easier. I'm wondering what worked best for any of you guy's, are there any do's or don'ts , etc. Thanks Ralph :dunno

[jester]

Is this the mount that is just behind the rear axle? If it is , I replaced both of mine last year. It depends on how bad the material is around the new mount. If you change it now instead of waiting to pull the frame, repair the sheet metal in the trunk to have somthing good to weld to and put the mount and rubber bushing together and tighten the bolt BEFORE you weld it to the frame. That way it will be at the right height when your finished
Whether that's the right way or not, I don't know That's how I did mine . And it worked. Good luck to you.

[SteveD409]

Yes, I think on frame, also-to get the right placement. Do as Aqua says.

[Impalaguru]

Hey Ralph,
I did my driver side brace a couple years back and I found that it was pretty crucial to have the gas tank filler tube handy so you can make sure you get the hole for it in the right spot. That is, if you have to fabricate the entire piece of sheet metal that covers the brace. That piece is sandwiched in between the upper trunk floor and the inner wheel house. I separated the spot welds and pulled the remnants out and started from scratch.

One thing I did (I'm not sure how crutial it is) is I rolled a bead into the piece I fabricated. Its there from the factory. Its about 1/2" wide and is about an inch and a quarter up from the bottom. I took it to a heating/cooling shop as they had the bead roller in their sheet metal fab shop. When it was done it looked totally factory.

I think it was there to add strenght as the brace is only welded to that piece of
sheet metal.

If your part was too far gone to get any original measurements, let me know as I still have my original "blue prints" from when I made the part!
Good luck!!

Ross

[Aqua 409]

Hey Guy's I appreciate the info, I will put it to good use this week I hope. Ross, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to change that piece, I picked away at the undercoating with a screwdriver and found a couple of surprises, so I may take you up on the blue print offer. Thanks everyone.