Topic: Part Question

[FiremanDave]

Looking for the actual part name of the two flat brackets that run across the top of the engine from the fire wall forward at approximately a 45 degree angle. Any help is appreciated...

[Tim175]

Export brace

[FiremanDave]

Thanks, are they hard to install?

[66GTKFB]

The parts (note plural) are called "Brace - Front Fender Apron to Dash", right and left. The Export brace is a single piece replacement that Ford installed on cars exported to Europe as Ford thought that car handling would be improved on the narrow winding roads over there. The two piece braces are easy to install, the single piece may require the car to be put up on jack stands set at the firewall to alloy the front end to "relax". An Export brace is highly recomended for any vintage mustang.
Jim

[FiremanDave]

Thanks Jim

[Soaring]

I installed the export brace on my '65 in about an hour.  It is a simple install that anybody can do.    Don't put on the cowl to shock tower braces.  Get a solid one-piece "Export Brace."  It will help to stiffen up your front end.  You will need to drill a hole and add a bolt to the fender area. (see picture of my finger to see where it goes))  It will be in front of the existing hole. 

[66GTKFB]

That's the Monte Carlo brace Glen is pointing at (also recomended), not the export brace. The export brace does not need extra holes. Simply remove the two top bolts (each side) for the shocks, the three nuts for the shock's braces, the old firewall braces and "fit" the export brace. All the old hardware is re-usable. On a couple of my cars, I use a large drift pin to align the brace at the firewall.
If you are considering showing your Mustang, don't drill the extra holes for the Monte Carlo brace, the brace will be just as functional. And use a 5/16-18x1.0 HH bolt without a washer under the bolt's head. That also applies to the existing bolt. Too tall a profile of the bolts will rub on the under side of your hood. 
Jim

[Soaring]

You're right Jim.  I wasn't thinking clearly.   
Well, he needs a Monte Carlo bar too.     You can see how the Export brace is attached here.  Notice that  it is one piece, so ties the shock towers together. 

[FiremanDave]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am sure I will be here asking many more questions..

[Soaring]

Regarding showing the car later.....MCA has a concours section at their shows, and putting on the Monte Carlo and export will cost you points.  If you don't plan to show it, then I highly recommend you put them both on your engine bay.  It will stiffen up that front end and make the car a whole lot more stable.  I can go around curves at 70 MPH marked at 40 without a problem.  I used to have to go 40 before I installed them.