I decided a few months ago to swap the factory shock tower braces for a one piece export brace. Last night when I went to put it on it appears my shock towers have moved inward about an inch. No use crying about it now what's done is done. I'm sure I'm not the first person to have this issue. What's the best way to move them back out? Keep in mind I'm not a body man or an engineer, just a Normal guy with regular tools. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Its a maverick specific one built by chassis connect. I bought it from a member and he test fit it before shipping so I'm sure it's built to the correct specs. My 40 year old towers have probably just moved a little over time.
Yeah hood closes no problem. Actually nothing looks out of line either. I didn't even know there was a problem until I tried putting the export brace on.
Man, to be that far off you would think something would look skewed. Just for fun I measured mine from the bolt closest to the engine that holds the shock bracket on. It measures 28", hope that helps.
Jack the car up by the front cross member so the front wheels are at full droop...Then see if the brace fits...If so bolt it down then go get front end aligned. These cars are flexi flyers...You probably dont know the cars entire history either soo...Who knows Some are dead nutz...Some are a little off. Heck could have been that way since it was new...They pounded these cars out skittles when they were in vogue.
My Comet measures 27 1/4" from center of bolt to center of bolt and yes my hood closes. Perhaps Ford made hoods in several widths!
See http://www.fly-ford.com/MM0105-How_To_Install_an_Export_Brace_and_a_Monte_Carlo_Bar.html to get an idea how to get it to fit.
I agree with checking measurements from other's cars - seems more like the new brace length is the culprit - all hoods are common width
If I am reading this right...it looks like different year Mavericks had different measurements according to the frame charts. http://1bad6t.com/frame_rail.html
Hey thanks for all the responses guys... Mine is a 73 so it may be different. I've been stuck at work for the past couple days but I'm gonna head back to the garage tomorrow. I think I might try to jack up the front end where the lower control arms attach to the towers and see if that helps my situation any.
Crazy! I would have thought if the towers settled that much the aprons would have moved too causing all sorts of sheet metal alignment issues.
Is that picture with one side lined up and this is the "off side" ? If this is so, then both sides have not moved as much as you'd think. Bolt it on the firewall and see how both sides line up.
