68 Dash Bracing Rods

[Richard D.]

In the 68 AIM, bracing rods are identified in the construction that braces the side pillars at the corners and the steering column mount.

They look like rods with eyelets at the ends to pass a bolt through, and mount to the corners of the pillars inder the dash to a reinforcement plate on the front of the tunnel by the firewall, and some for the steering column mount reinforcement.

Well, my car has none of these, but it looks as if they never came with the car.

Was this something that was in the AIM, but was maybe deleted?

I've driven the car a bit, and have not noticed any bad vibration or shaking of the cowl or dash.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Regards,

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Rich-----

The braces were used for convertibles and were not used for coupes. You will likely note that somewhere at the bottom of the page you are looking at will be the notation "model 19467" or some such reference. 19467 was the convertible body code; 19437 was the coupe body code.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Thanks Joe, but I do have a convertible.

Pretty weird then, as the heater plenum and all is all there and looks original and unmolested as if it was never removed (the reinforcement mount plate looks like it goes on the the tunnel just aft of the firewall, and before the plenum).

I was hoping to hear that they were deleted from the build.

Well, I guess I could fabricate some up and put them in, but it seems to be OK, even without them.

Thanks,

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Rich-----

You're correct; early 1968 Corvette convertibles did not have the brace rods. I think that these were added ABOUT S/N 5000.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Hey Joe, thanks for that bit of info., just saved me quite a bit of work this winter it seems.

Mine was an early one, Nov 67, according to the numbers I have on it.

That question's been on my mind for a while, and now I have the answer.

Regards,

Rich

[Craig S.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Joe - I assume these were added to give structural rigidity with the absence of the roof structure on convertibles. I wonder if this was more for rattle control than anything else? Just curious.....Craig

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Craig-----

Yes, that's why they were added.

[Craig S.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods - thx! *NM*

[Gary S.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

I read an article, quite a while ago, about the introduction of the 1968 model to the auto magazine writers. They were quite critical of the fit and finish as well as the shakes and rattles. GM must have added these to cure some of that.
Gary

[Chuck R.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

I was told by a gent that he could litterally feel a side to side flex of the body without the braces.

Must have been interesting going around sharp corners at speed while also chasing the steering wheel around.

Don't know how much creedence his comments had, I just remembered him saying it.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

Wow, I was surprised at all the response at the question, but I was glad I asked the ques.

Since the AIM was not really clear on this, and it appears that a change occured, and it looks like it happened in mid November, I'm sure it answered some questions not only in my mind, but for others as well.

I've driven my car at some speed (about 75+ or so), and around some corners and such, and did not feel concerned about any shake, rattle, or roll.

The car felt pretty stable.

Anyway, I throw that back, for what it's worth.

Regards,

Rich

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

My original owner 68 convertible built in Feb does not have the additional braces.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Dash Bracing Rods

That would put the change after over 12,000 were built?

Wonder what month they made the change?

Rich