Can I chunk these braces?

[OldUsedParts]

Since I am installing a dual Carb setup, I'm wanting to do away with the braces marked with a red arrow in the following pic. Do I need to substitute something, somewhere, to take their place or can they just be eliminated?

Thanks,
OUP

[mr48chev]

Only if you love having squeaks and rattles and a misaligned front end. I took them off and even filled the holes and after a few years cleaned out the holes and put them back on. They do a lot of work in keeping the front end sheet metal solid and in place. There is a vendor on Ebay that sells some nice looking stainless ones that I intend to buy a pair of if and when I get some extra cash.

[BigDan3131]

Did you already buy the manifold or is it still on order? It should work fine with them.

[OldUsedParts]

As far as squeaks and rattles, I already have plenty of them attached to this PU so that's a major consideration for sure.

Yes, I have purchased a dual Offy intake and have already rebuilt 2 Rochester type B's. However, I have only done some measuring with a tape measure and haven't placed the new set up to see if it will fit and work ok.

This was kind of a "recon" question for when I start the installation so thanks for the advice and comments. I do appreciate the replies.

OUP

[mr48chev]

One more thing and that is from experience, when I didn't have them my hood tended to want to pop up and one time it popped open when I was passing a truck headed the other way that was really rolling. That was probably due to the front end sheet metal moving around a bit.
Hood louvers serve more than one purpose, they let the air flow though so the hood won't fold all the way over and you can see the road through them so you can stop.

[cajundragger]

if you get rid of them(like I did) build brackets that attach that bottom of the grill to the core support or frame. I have zero problems. no squeaks.

[Handfull 54]

*****en Products makes a radiator support that does away with those rods. It also moves the fan to the center of the radiator but everything else like fenders and upper radiator cover all fit. I used this and with a it works well. Just a thought. Also it costs aroune $300. It comes with another piece of sheet metal that directs air through the radiator which I did not use. Look it up and see what you think.

[nacho55]

Cajun, do you have any pics you can post of what you did, I was going to put mine on but my motor sits too high now with the changes I made.
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[OldUsedParts]

Hey Handfull, could you PM me that link? That way no rules are broken !

I second, Nacho, on the pics of the braces - - - - that would be great to see also.

Thanks again, Gents for all the comments and activity on this question.

A good friend once told me that knowledge is like cow lot manure, "if you spread it around, it becomes fertilizer, but if you pile it up, then it's just a pile of %#$@% !"

OUP

[blitz'd]

B i t c h i n products is no longer in business.

[1959 Apache 3600]

Lifted my hood and there's no braces like that. Must have done away with them for '58 and '59?

[cajundragger]

Originally Posted by nacho55

Cajun, do you have any pics you can post of what you did, I was going to put mine on but my motor sits too high now with the changes I made.
Posted via Mobile Device

yeah I'll try. Its simple though, just support the bottom of the grill and your good to go.