Export Brace
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace1.jpg)
1986 Plain Jane meets our creative team for an Export brace upgrade.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace2.jpg)
We laid out some 1-1/4 diameter mild steel tubing between the strut towers to see what clearance issues there may be.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace3.jpg)
As seen we mocked up some tabs in chip board to mount the brace and are checking location for enough clearance out side the tower caps.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace4.jpg)
We cut them in 12 gauge steel and made duplicates for driver and passenger sides.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace5.jpg)
Tacking them together and then final shaping them on the grinder/sander will give us exact duplicates.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace6.jpg)
We chose a rod end with 3/8 thread and assembled it as a unit to place it on the tower for a final fit.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace7.jpg)
As seen Lou took a flat plate, drilled it and attached 2 bolts and nuts to it. This will be fitted to the tabs then welded in place to form a unit.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace8.jpg)
He will drill the tower at the proper location and mount it.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace9.jpg)
Next he cut the tubing to the correct length and inserted the rod ends flare nut inside. He will Tig weld tack it only until all is ready.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace10.jpg)
At the fire wall cowl he formed a brace in mock up board to allow two mounting points with some curving around the air filter assembly.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace11.jpg)
He then transferred the mock up to some 12 gauge steel and will trace it out, then cut it.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace12.jpg)
The mounting tabs are in place and are ready for a cosmetic smoothing.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace13.jpg)
She is coming around nicely and taking shape.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace14.jpg)
Under the carb we have over 1 inch of clearance so no problem with engine torque movement.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace15.jpg)
The cowl to front bar bracing will be mounted here and clears every thing fine.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace16.jpg)
A close up shows the tabs Lou made to attach them.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace17.jpg)
The rear brace fits great.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace18.jpg)
This angle shows why we want to cosmetically clean up the tabs so the bolts are not so obvious.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace19.jpg)
As seen we smoothed up the ends with the addition of metal tabs for a more stream lined part.
![](https://jefflilly.com/images/uploads/fabrication-export-brace20.jpg)
Finished product speaks for itself, structurally sound, cosmetically nice and ready for some hard cornering. Lets do it!