Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

[Gary B.]

Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

These braces are not difficult to find used.
If it were me, I'd buy another rather than attempting to reform one.

[Richard G.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

64 alt brack.jpg
Maybe this picture will help?
Used ones are about $30 on Ebay.

[Leif A.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Gary,
I'm guessing by your description that the brace you're asking about is the upper (slotted) brace. If my assumption is correct, that brace is flat. See pics of my brace on my '67 L79. Also, a pic from LIC of the upper brace.

[Gary B.]

[Gary B.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Leif,

Here’s a photo my brace. Everything I’ve read about GM 3881816 indicates a 17/64” offset. Alas, my brace now lays perfectly flat. I was so impressed with my straightening ability when I got it flat. It has the B stamping like some originals do. And I like the results of my dip painting. One step forward, two steps back.

Gary

D54178AA-BBE8-4980-AD0F-45997727CDC2.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Patrick,

It was easy to remove the two bends by clamping one end of the brace in a vise, lying on the floor, and standing next to where the brace exited the jaws of the vise. I’m sure I can recreate the bends if I know where they should be. I can’t give up on my original brace that easily.

Gary

I can.
My friend has a bucket full of them.
I've learned that some things are not worth my time.

[Leif A.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]105922[/ATTACH]

Gary,
That looks perfectly fine to me as you have it. I would trial fit it with the lower brace and alternator in place before doing any additional bending. I just went out and eyeballed mine (again) and it is flat...if anything there may be a slight bow to the brace but no bends whatsoever.

[Gary B.]

45964CEA-8BB3-4BF0-B8EC-E063EF80FCE2.jpg

[David L.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Back in the 1980's and 1990's I had several original 3881816 and 3884640 braces in my collection. I have a 3884640 brace on my 1966 (300 HP) but I sold all but one of the other 66-67 braces over the years. I have only one left in my collection but I do not remember if it is a 3881616 brace or a 3884640 brace. When I get a chance I will go up in my garage attic to the parts warehouse to get it.
Dave

[Gary B.]

[David L.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Gary,
Here is a photo pf my 3881816 brace and a drawing with dimensions. The 2nd bend about 7 1/2" or so from the bottom end is hardly noticeable.
There is no "B" stamping on this brace, maybe from a 70-72 Corvette???? Most of my braces came from Spring Carlisle, Corvette Carlisle or Fall Carlisle back in the 1980's.
Dave

[David L.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Here is an original 3884640 brace that I still had in my collection, again no "B" stamping, maybe a 68-69 brace?????. I remember that some had the "B" and some did not.
Dave

[Gary B.]

[Gary B.]

Re: Alternator brace GM #3881816: where are the two bends to create the offset?

Thanks for the info about the B stamping. I edited my earlier post to say that some had the B, rather than saying most had it.

Gary