CUTLASS Front Frame Brace

[403Olds]

This has been talked about a few times already, but figured I'd give it another thumbs up. I took a piece of square tubing, and bolted it to the top of both front bumper bracket bolts. Wow, immediately noticed that the front end was much more responsive when turning, and felt more solid. Probably not going to cut time off any autocross events, but for an hour of time, it improves the driving experience of these noodle like frames. I've had the GP brace for years, so thought that I was pretty well covered, but was proven wrong.

 

[Rgpmalibu]

This has been talked about a few times already, but figured I'd give it another thumbs up. I took a piece of square tubing, and bolted it to the top of both front bumper bracket bolts. Wow, immediately noticed that the front end was much more responsive when turning, and felt more solid. Probably not going to cut time off any autocross events, but for an hour of time, it improves the driving experience of these noodle like frames. I've had the GP brace for years, so thought that I was pretty well covered, but was proven wrong.

Could you post a couple more pics? I don't have any frame support up front and I'd like to try this. I don't necessarily want to spend $300 on the front frame brace right at the moment. This would be cheaper, and I have a welder to do some fabrication. Did you do the rear brace between the bumper mounts as well?

 

[81camel]

This sounds very interesting

 

[RICKDIZZLE]

In the lowrider hydraulic community, this is a pretty common mod. However, usually the box steel is welded to the front of the frame, tying the frame rails together. It significantly strengthens the front part of the frame. On street cars, we usually reinforce the rear arches and use the pump rack to tie the rear frame together too. On hoppers it's common to cut out the rear spring perches and put in a C channel bridge, and reinforce the "belly" (cradle of frame under motor)...and or fully box the whole frame.
But yes, tying those rails together does have a great positive impact for sure. I can truly imagine it would really help in rally driving and the roll/flex involved in that too.

 

[403Olds]

Could you post a couple more pics? I don't have any frame support up front and I'd like to try this. I don't necessarily want to spend $300 on the front frame brace right at the moment. This would be cheaper, and I have a welder to do some fabrication. Did you do the rear brace between the bumper mounts as well?

I should have taken a picture when I was painting it. I'm going to make another one for my wife's car, I'll get a picture at that point

 

[melloelky]

from what it looks like he filet'd the ends to a wedge in order to have access to pass the bolts through then attach it to the top of the frame horn mounts.

 

[SoFloG]

There can never be enough structural reinforcement on these flexmobiles. Nice work