Is this thing even worth saving? A torch and BFH is the only method I can think of to save this poor brace.

 

I'd say no, you'll never get it perfectly flat and it'll always have those weak points, bending again whenever it sees stress. Who/how the **** did that happen, 200 too many speed bumps at 80mph?

I'd think that the Mazda crushed tube brace, which can be made very easily at home, would be just as functional as that. There certainly wouldn't be enough difference for you to notice, plus it'd be way prettier.

 

I say make a new one! That thing looks easy.
-G-

 

Last owner was Bo Duke. Honestly, I've got no clue. The car came with it all jacked like that. Yeah I was worried about it having weak spots along the current bends. Damn, I was hoping it could be salvaged.


Can we build it? Probably not because I don't have the materials, time, tools or patience for this kind of crap.

 

Buy a piece of pipe, smash the ends with a hammer, drill a hole in each end, and voila, rear brace.

 

Now will that be as effective as the straightened racing beat brace? Those one bar braces still allow for vertical movement since they're only mounted at two points right?

 

"Can we build it? Probably not because I don't have the materials, time, tools or patience for this kind of crap."
Damn Im sorry I didnt mean to hit a nerve.I thought it was a bit of gentle encouragement.I could do it with the tools I have at home in about three hours,not even using any equipment from work.Give it a try,think aluminumm plate,drills,hole saws and a jig saw.You can do it.
-G-

 

No nerves hit. Didn't mean to come off like that. I suppose it is doable for me if I exclude those bends that the RB brace has and just stick with a plate design.

 

Rccote -

Leaving 3/4 to 1-inch of "extra" material at top and bottom for bending shouldn't be too much trouble. Mark with a Sharpie (tm), put the piece in a table vise and bend it over. - Just exclude the "triangles" at both ends of the bottom bend. (Or if you really want to add them, a slight mod to the cut and single weld at each end...)

- L

 

Use a hole saw to define the corners of the cut outs and connect with jig saw
-G-