Shock Tower brace

[lawprofdave]

Has anyone ever heard of, or attempted to fabricate, a front shock tower brace for a fiat spider. I know that there is something kind-of in the way, namely the engine, but maybe someone has figured out a way around it. I figured a brace would go a long way towards preventing cowl shake and just firming up the frame in general. Of course, I am assuming that the shock towers are in good shape in the first place - which can be a weak point for spiders in general. Anyway, maybe this will start a conversation about the issue. Maybe not.

[So Cal Mark]

I think you'd need to triangulate a brace from the cowl to the inner edge of the fenders. I've seen lots of Spiders with the unibody collapsing inward at the top of the inner fender, so I'm sure it would help stiffen the chassis

[joshuagore]

Something similar to the stock brace in this picture.


I feel like to be done properly it would have to also tie into the front or across somehow, maybe by means of the engine?
Josh

p.s. I still like the idea of an X brace below the frame, but I just cant think of where.

[htchevyii]

Here's a pic of a mod Csaba did:


I'd like to see something that combines a oil pan skid plate with a brace. The top seems tricky, especially with fuel injection, but I'd love to see something.

[lawprofdave]

Yeah, I've seen underbody braces. They even have them aftermarket, but a tower brace would be more of what I want.
Josh, the problem with the triangle is the same as anything else, getting around the engine, as the tower end well below the top of the lump. That applies to both the fi and carbed models - I have an '80 carbed spider. Also, if the brace goes up and over the engine, I think it would lose rigidity, unless it is really strong and heavy. Maybe I am wrong about that last comment, though.

[So Cal Mark]

those underbody braces won't address the problem of the shock towers collapsing in.

[launieg]

Also, if the brace goes up and over the engine, I think it would lose rigidity, unless it is really strong and heavy.

I've seen plenty of them that have bends to go over components or the engine. I think it depends on the quality/thickness of steel, etc.

[htchevyii]

those underbody braces won't address the problem of the shock towers collapsing in.

But maybe help support the x-member and keep the frame rails from cracking? I think we need both.

[lawprofdave]

Both would probably be good, if the added weight is not too great, but my problem is still the top brace. I am wondering if anyone has tried to fabricate something. If not, I may have to invent the wheel since no one seems to have tried yet. I would just rather avoid mistakes that may have already been made. And there is still the weight issue, since going over or around (or both) the engine may require a stronger (read heavier) piece of material.

[wengr]

Do you have anyone near you who builds custom size bicycle frames for high end mountain\road bikes? If so they should be experts in fabricating with very light yet strong tubing. They also should understand some of the physics of what you are trying to do. Might not be cheap though.

[halg]

Today I have been removing the battery tray from my engine compartment(the supercharger encroaches on its location). With everything out I thought out something that might be able to be done. Use 2 pieces of angle mounted to the top and inside of the frame box(mine has 2 rubber grommets in holes approximately 11 1/2" apart) make a piece of tubing(A frame) that goes as high as where the shock tower spot welds are. On my car that is approx 3" above the access hole for the top of the shock. Add a piece of 14 or 16 ga over the top of the raised area that makes up the shock tower(rosette weld) add triangular pieces from the plate to the A frame tubing.
I have never worked on a completely stock or complete car so I don't know what clearance issues there might be. Possibly bracing could then be added forward to the upper radiator brace and rearward to the box across the top of the firewall. I will probably mock up something to see if it would work. I will try and make some sketches and scan them to post.
Hal

[mdrburchette]

The top of the shock tower is so low into the engine compartment, I don't see how you can really make a brace for it. Making a brace from the firewall to the shock tower, then from the tower to the radiator support is on option.

[ventura ace]

Is that your Lemons race car?!! Looking sharp!

Alvon

[engineerted]

More Photos!! More Photos !! Does that round tube attached to the shock mount run back thru the firewall and connect into the roll bar? If not, it should. This is what i would like to do to my race car. My driver side upper shock mount has been welded by the PO, but building what you have would allow easy service. DAM that car looks good!!

Ted

[lawprofdave]

Very interesting mdrburchette, except the stock shock tower setup doesn't look anything like your car. Hal, I would be interested in seeing a photoshop or mockup of your concept. I suppose there might be a way to surround the engine, though there is really very little clearance in my '80 carbed 124. I'll have to take another look at the engine bay this weekend.

BTW, if anyone knows of a 32 or 34 ADF carb and 1800 manifold that is available, I would be very interested. My ADHA crapped out and good riddance. I have been waiting for some forum members to pull some parts for me, but I am running out of summer driving weather. Thanks.