Regarding the "brace or bracket", the 68 MPC lists C7ZZ-10A691-A (upper) for 1967 & 1968. It appears that many more cars were shipped out without the upper bracket than with, but the MPC does not mention that detail. No need, I suppose. If you lose it, you can go to the dealer and order it. If you order a kit, and don't need it, it goes in the "maybe I can use this somewhere else later" drawer.