1987 Cutlass Build

DJHull

Master Mechanic
Apr 28, 2015
255
232
43
Lansing, Mi
thanks guys, I had the heads reworked and am going to put a nice cam in it and update the ignition to HEI, going to put a decent intake on it as well. Just going to run the stock high performance exhaust manifolds. Should put down some decent reliable power. Hopefully UMI starts making more of the chassis bracing stuff besides just the rear shock tower brace, I have pretty much everything they sell so far besides I need to pick up some shocks
1617633859348.png

These are rear control arm braces RB-003. These do a nice job of stiffening up the back. UMI also makes this front suspension brace #3053. This does a nice job as well. Check them out. Love what you are doing to your Cutlass.

1617635740257.png
 
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DJHull

Master Mechanic
Apr 28, 2015
255
232
43
Lansing, Mi
thanks guys, I had the heads reworked and am going to put a nice cam in it and update the ignition to HEI, going to put a decent intake on it as well. Just going to run the stock high performance exhaust manifolds. Should put down some decent reliable power. Hopefully UMI starts making more of the chassis bracing stuff besides just the rear shock tower brace, I have pretty much everything they sell so far besides I need to pick up some shocks
View attachment 172358
These are BMR rear control arm braces RB-003. These do a nice job of stiffening up the back. UMI also makes this front suspension brace #3053. This does a nice job as well. Check them out. Love what you are doing to your Cutlass

View attachment 172366
 
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L92 OLDS

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 30, 2012
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West Michigan
View attachment 172358
These are BMR rear control arm braces RB-003. These do a nice job of stiffening up the back. UMI also makes this front suspension brace #3053. This does a nice job as well. Check them out. Love what you are doing to your Cutlass

View attachment 172366
Do you have any pics that you can share of the RB-003 installed on a vehicle? I had the weld in brackets but removed them for muffler clearance. This is definitely a weak point in my set up and I’m worried about making hard launches.
 
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scoti

Royal Smart Person
Sep 5, 2019
1,959
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Texas
Thanks very much, that what i hope to do is leave people wondering what is going on with this thing. 69hurstolds even made an ID tag for me that will go on the fan shroud that has 6.5 diesel listed as the original engine. The valve covers im actually trying to find someone to paint them for me, they are bare at the moment, the block i brushed on and it came out good however with the flat surfaces of the valve covers doing it that way will look like crap. I dont have a compressor or paint equipment so been scratching my head there, the "period correct" spray can paint that i used on the pan doesnt match the block unfortunately. It probably is completely correct but i really liked the color of the POR15 engine paint that i used on the block.
Try finding one of the small-use Preval 'airless' spray-gun set-ups: https://www.acehardware.com/departm...ing-tools-and-supplies/paint-spray-guns/17738
Next small job was the bumpers. I pulled them out of their long term storage in my shed and almost just installed them on the car before my OCD got the best of me and I had to have the inner supports powder coated.... I cleaned the chrome up the best it would go with some never dull and besides the blotches it came out pretty good.
Try some #0000 steel wool on the bumpers chrome surface. It helps remove the blotches/discoloration.
 
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84dragcutlass

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Aug 20, 2009
1,189
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North Vernon IN
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84dragcutlass

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Aug 20, 2009
1,189
1,507
113
North Vernon IN
View attachment 172358
These are rear control arm braces RB-003. These do a nice job of stiffening up the back. UMI also makes this front suspension brace #3053. This does a nice job as well. Check them out. Love what you are doing to your Cutlass.

View attachment 172366
I was thinking about doing bracing like these, if not for the torque of the diesel but also the weight that will be up front i think that front brace would really help the frame and the stress on the steering box. Im also curious how the rear braces go in.
 
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scoti

Royal Smart Person
Sep 5, 2019
1,959
3,365
113
Texas
I was thinking about doing bracing like these, if not for the torque of the diesel but also the weight that will be up front i think that front brace would really help the frame and the stress on the steering box. Im also curious how the rear braces go in.
Rear control-arm braces link the upper/lower attachment points together. This helps further solidify (limit flex within) that area of the chassis.
 
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DJHull

Master Mechanic
Apr 28, 2015
255
232
43
Lansing, Mi
Do you have any pics that you can share of the RB-003 installed on a vehicle? I had the weld in brackets but removed them for muffler clearance. This is definitely a weak point in my set up and I’m worried about making hard launces.
I had bought the UMI braces and had muffler clearance issues. Sent them back and I just received the BMR. I found a few blogs that had used this brace and they had good luck with it. When I get them installed I can post a pic and review for you. Im 95% sure these will work with no clearance issues. I have 2.5" dual exhauast. BMR has a You Tube video on these braces. One guy posted his GBody on the track making a pass. Thst link is posted below.
Do you have any pics that you can share of the RB-003 installed on a vehicle? I had the weld in brackets but removed them for muffler clearance. This is definitely a weak point in my set up and I’m worried about making hard launches.
 
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DJHull

Master Mechanic
Apr 28, 2015
255
232
43
Lansing, Mi
Here are a few pics I found that show the RB003 braces from different angles.
 

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84dragcutlass

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Supporting Member
Aug 20, 2009
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North Vernon IN
Seeing those it makes more sense how they work now. This car will have a minimum of a single 3 inch exhaust, if i can find room for 4 inches i will. That might have a little clearance issue for those braces
 
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