is a 2x4 brace necessary?

[hrosenthal]

OK, I've got the doors, trunk, hood and quickjacks off, and am waiting for help to move the body to the body buck.
I've seen several photos of people bracing the passenger compartment with a 2x4, but saw no mention of it in the FFR assembly manual.
Is this a necessary step? Are there any special requirements or do I just sue duct tape to secure a 2x4?
Thanks

[frankeeski]

The body is pretty stout and quite honestly if it is resting on the body buck properly it shouldn't be an issue. All the same, when I had my MKIII stored on the buck I had a brace across there.

[David Hodgkins]

The 2x4 is used primarily for support when lifting the body off the chassis and can be duct taped on.

I can't endorse lifting the body without the brace on but I did it several times during my build. I lifted the body for the sides. The more people the better. It can be done with two who have done it before but 4 is better for the 1st time.

HTH,

:)

[Mr. Barry]

While the body is on the buck, (and as long as the buck is properly built), the brace isn't needed....Obviously it would be in the way during body work, and paint....BUT...Every time you move the body off the buck, or off the frame , you must use the brace, or you risk fracturing the rocker panels, under the door openings...The weakest point in the body.
Make sure the body is aligned properly on the buck, because you will be leaving it there for some time, and it is subject to warping.
Edward

[Mike N]

When moving the body if you have two people one at the front of each rear wheel arch then you really don't need the brace, if you only have one person at the back (trunk) then it's a very good idea as you could easily crack the body.

[hrosenthal]

Result -- I used duct tape to secure a 2x4 brace between the front and back of the cockpit. I had 4 people lift the body off the frame without much trouble. However, by the time we got the body onto the buck, the brace fell off. I'll try securing the brace again for storage.

[David Hodgkins]

I wouldn't put the brace on for storage. The duct tape is REALLY hard to get off if you leave it on for a length of time. Plus, the brace is not needed when storing the body on the buck.

:)

[SStrong]

I put a piece of plywood on top and bottom of the brace at each end along with a short cross piece that goes against the edges of the passenger compartment. It can't come off, much better than duct tape. I can turn the body over with the brace in place.

[hrosenthal]

Thanks for the feedback. As always, very helpful.

[racephotoman]

Does anyone have a photo of the brace you are all talking about....My buck is built and I'm awaiting for kit!

Walter

[jlfernan]

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5350/443942095607a7fd6c8bz.jpg


http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2561/jorgec.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[racephotoman]

Jorge,

Great...Thanks for the image!

Walter