Topic: 68 Export Braces

[E35Pilot]

I've always noticed how some export braces are bolted to the top of the firewall lip and others were bolted underneath.  And, without doing any specific research, I simply believed this was due to the difference between specific engine, body style, or maybe even year.  However, in a different thread, a picture of a similarly built mustang as mine was posted and I noticed it has its' export braces bolted below the lip which is different then mine, picture attached.  The picture is of a 1968 (Feb 68 build) S-Code Convertible built in San Jose.  Mine is the same vehicle but built Dec 67, two months earlier in the same factory, and my braces are bolted above the lip....?  Can anyone help explain why the difference?

Picture website: http://www.oldtownclassics.com/gallery/v/current/1968+GT+390/

[GT500KR]

Export braces are one piece construction, and mounted the only way that they will fit, on TOP of the pinch weld. Your picture is an example of the standard right and left supports, and are mounted properly BELOW the pinch weld.

[J_Speegle]

Export braces are one piece construction, and mounted the only way that they will fit, on TOP of the pinch weld. Your picture is an example of the standard right and left supports, and are mounted properly BELOW the pinch weld.

+1 Shock tower supports under - export braces on top

[E35Pilot]

Ok, correct terms noted.  Nontheless, any idea why some have export braces verses shock tower supports? 
Was one an option and the other standard? 

[J_Speegle]

Ok, correct terms noted.  Nontheless, any idea why some have export braces verses shock tower supports? 
Was one an option and the other standard?

Very common owner added accessory since it stiffens up the front end of these unibody cars.  In the past normally less than $100 to add to the car - cheaper than a decent set of shocks

The more performance orientated the car (or the owner is the more likely its been added. Like Boss 302's  would guess over 50% have or have had them sometime int he past though they never were built with them unless they were export cars

[E35Pilot]

Very common owner added accessory since it stiffens up the front end of these unibody cars.  In the past normally less than $100 to add to the car - cheaper than a decent set of shocks

The more performance orientated the car (or the owner is the more likely its been added. Like Boss 302's  would guess over 50% have or have had them sometime int he past though they never were built with them unless they were export cars

I assume you're talking about export braces above, right?  If so, and I'm understanding you correctly, domestically sold 1968 Mustangs "did not" come with export braces from the factory, right?  Which would make the shock tower braces the factory original parts regardless of body style/engine, etc.  Right?       

[sportyworty]

68 Shelby's had the one piece export brace.

[Bob Gaines]

I assume you're talking about export braces above, right?  If so, and I'm understanding you correctly, domestically sold 1968 Mustangs "did not" come with export braces from the factory, right?  Which would make the shock tower braces the factory original parts regardless of body style/engine, etc.  Right?     

The export brace was paired when installed at the factory with the reinforced upper shock brackets. If a owner added the export brace they typically were not aware of the accompanying brackets which in turn didn't get installed.

[J_Speegle]

BTW anyone have an original 68 Export car (or pictures) with the export brace. All the ones I have pictures of don't have it installed. Though each still used the reinforced shock towers. 

67 may have been the last year since I don't recall seeing 69 and 70 export cars with their either (but still with the shock bracket change)  but want to see what others had found. Have a copy of the export list for 67  but not for 68 - up


Might need to start another thread to chase this one