New Design US Car Tool fender to cowl braces

[johns cuda shop]

After talking to John over at US Car Tool, I bought a set of these to replace the XV type braces I had made. They look much stronger plus give you some more tire clearance if you decide to lower the car. any thoughts? https://store.uscartool.com/E-Body-70-74-Inner-Fender-Brace-Kit_p_11.html

[moprr]

Looks pretty strong and they tuck up nice and high.  I  was going to go the xv way too but now this looks like a nice option.  Do you know the gauge of the metal?

[johns cuda shop]

I just checked ,they are 11 gauge.  Another advantage is that they fit over the factory braces too. 

[brads70]

They look good .I always thought the XV ones looked too low. If you added additional bracing on the firewall/cowl going down from the brace it would be stronger still!

[Travis72]

I can testify that the XV ones restrict tire clearance.... my tire has rubbed the paint off the brace!  I guess I need to raise the front of my car a little.

Travis
72 Cuda

[brads70]

US CAR TOOL 1970-1974 Mopar E-Body Cuda/Challenger Uni-Body Rigidity Test

[Fastd]

I just returned my inner fender set I bought back in March. Chris @ USCar Tools said they would swap them for the new ones. I thought that was great. Then I realized the price had dropped . But hey, they did not have to swap so I am pleased. should get the new ones by Monday or Tuesday. Still a ways from installation though. I also plan on running wiring and ac lines throught these.

[jimynick]

Thx for posting that vid Brad! That'll do it for me. I'll be calling the boys at US Car for a set of those for MY flexi-flyer. 

[brads70]

Thx for posting that vid Brad! That'll do it for me. I'll be calling the boys at US Car for a set of those for MY flexi-flyer. 

Just heard back from them about a shipping quote.... They will ship via USPS! I'm ordering mine tomorrow! 

[brads70]

Just heard back from them about a shipping quote.... They will ship via USPS! I'm ordering mine tomorrow! 

Ordered and on there way.....

[72cudamaan]

I've been thinking about this. How much flex do you guys think would be there if the
k frame was bolted in? Still looks like a good product, but it seems like it has been sensationalized with the lack of
a k frame and hanging the weight 5 feet away from the centerline of the chassis. I'm not trying to
dispute the claim, nor am I trying to bad mouth the product. Just want a little more technical
data to substantiate  the claim so to speak.

[brads70]

I've been thinking about this. How much flex do you guys think would be there if the
k frame was bolted in? Still looks like a good product, but it seems like it has been sensationalized with the lack of
a k frame and hanging the weight 5 feet away from the centerline of the chassis. I'm not trying to
dispute the claim, nor am I trying to bad mouth the product. Just want a little more technical
data to substantiate  the claim so to speak.

 Yes I think your right in that bolting in the K-Frame would make it more rigid for that test, but adding their brace definitely improves the original design. It always bugged me how much flex is in our cars.  If you can find the XV video it showed similair flex when on the 4 post rig. 

[wiging19]

 

[johns cuda shop]

Yes I think your right in that bolting in the K-Frame would make it more rigid for that test, but adding their brace definitely improves the original design. It always bugged me how much flex is in our cars.  If you can find the XV video it showed similair flex when on the 4 post rig.

   I agree with Brad, you also have to look at the big picture, what the factory did was a quick fix for a shoddy body integrity problem using that thin sheetmetal brace they had. Using the curved steel tube like the XV  works but triangulating the cowl and the inner fender is much stronger. This is also why I didnt use any curved down bars on my roll Cage . For the low price US Car tool has on these braces, its a no brainer ,not even worth making yourself IMO. 

[brads70]

Here is a link to the XV Motorsports video.....
http://www.xvmotorsports.com/news/news_display1.cfm?id=37

Notice all the flex WITH the car assembled.