I have a question regarding tower braces in 6 cylinder Mavericks. If you look at the "engine 1.jpg" photo, you will see what is typical for the brace, it runs on an angle to the firewall on both sides. Now, look at the "engine 2.jpg" photo (it's not as good of a photo) and you will see a different set up. Once in a while I have seen a Maverick with this odd, ugly looking brace that splits and loops up over the brake master cylinder. It looks like the master cylinder is higher than normal on this car. What is the reason for the two style braces? I'm going to guess that the one with the funky brace is a Maverick with "power" brakes, since the master cylinder is located higher? Thanks for your help! Art
Hey, thanks for confirming my suspicions. Boy, that brace is sure ugly! Has anyone ever come up with something different, or does the master cylinder just get right in the way? Someday (perhaps phase two of my dream) I would like to swap out the 6 cylinder with a 302 V8, I wonder if I can do something different then. I have seen some very nice "custom" tower braces from others on this forum, but I wonder if any of those cool looking alterative were on Mavericks with the "power steering" issues? Thanks again guys! Art
Nope ... your stuck with it in your new Mav! I personally wouldn't mess with it .... I suppose you could always convert to non-power brakes but why bother ...
Radmav made a custom tubular brace like the ones they sell for Mustangs. Looks much nicer and is easily removable. I can't remember if it was made totally from scratch or if it started life as a Mustang set.
Do you think a aftermarket brace, usually being a round tube or threaded rod, would be small enough to clear the master cylinder? Or, if the MC is still in the way, how about making custom ones and having the rod on that side 'bow' around the MC? I have been looking at past threads and the engine photos, looks like 'most' don't have power brakes (my original Stallion didn't either). As far as changing it to manual; naw, I won't bother, power brakes are alright, I just hate the look of the funky brace, lol. Art
Looks like I didn't get that posted quite quick enough. The tube that goes over the master cylinder is indeed 'bent' to go around it.
I have seen a couple that had an angled master cylinder and vacuum assist. never really looked at the pedal to see how this connection worked, but they were stock and had the more standard tower brace.
Art; here is the bracing you were speaking of. They are made for a Mustang, but I think they are very easy to convert to the Maverick. Here is the link: http://totalcontrolproducts.com/tower.htmlGood luck!
Earl, Wow, those look really nice, not cheap, but nice! The aluminum looks nice, and won't rust. However, I bet I could make my own. We'll see, that is a long way off anyway, but I enjoy planning ahead and dreaming, lol. Art
http://www.stuart.iit.edu/students/2112/restoration/powerbrakes.htm i dont know if this will work for mavs and comets but it would be great if it did
Here's what I use: http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=4857&highlight=export+brace But it wont work with factory Maverick/Comet power brakes.
Dennis; I have one of those I won at a show one day a few years ago. Gonna work on it over the winter. Looks a lot better than the stock ones, and it has to be stronger. Good mod!
I picked up one at Ford Carlisle back in June for $25. Wish I could find more at that price. I plan on doing all my cars with it.
