How I stabilized the fiberglass body below the oil cooler intake. Paint was cracking

[beeman]

Is this a common problem?

When I took my car to the painter, it had been tracked and driven on the road in primer. My painter noticed stress cracks in the paint (not the fiberglass) below the oil cooler intake that he attributed to flexing at speed. And I was able to easily wiggle the body there. He recommended reinforcement there, so I welded in a support from the scrap bin that bolts to the body. Support is welded to my (removable) lower rad support. Rock solid now, no stress cracks in few hundred miles of driving up to triple digits. Free fix to protect the paint job.

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170707/962pjtoi.jpg

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170707/xionaegx.jpg

Looks 'factory'...I'll admit that the GTM does not!

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170707/35sqmjny.jpg

[R. Button]

great idea - I installed Tangent Technologies driving light and grill kit to help firm it up. I had same issue as you + add in a few housing development "speed" humps don't help either!

[KDubU]

Very interesting idea. I have not experienced stress cracks and hope I don't. Like the colors you chose, any mor pics to share?

[beeman]

Thanks! The color is Porsche Mexico Blue with a domestic red, GM I believe.

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170121/ojmt9yyl.jpg

[Gumball]

Great idea for those not installing an oil cooler - which pretty much does the same thing when in that location. I actually installed what MPTech referred to as an "oil fooler" - it's there with lines and all, but not connected to the engine yet as it's not really necessary for street use on my small block.

[beeman]

Well, I'm getting ready for a track outing, finally got around to installing the rad ducting... Turns out it covers up the most visible part of the body support anyways!

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170710/4bbiwfgv.jpg