Is the x-brace behind the rear seat structural or just there to keep the passengers from tipping backward into the trunk?
I'm afraid to ask why
LOL, don't!! you know why and you know you can't tell!! :D
I really think it's to hold up the rear window/trunk area myself, and to minimize body twisting to a certain point.
I really haven't messed with mine yet
Ok, so if I was to remove it, I'd want to replace it with some kind of outlining tubular brace?
Yep
I would use 1x1 tubing, unless you need heavy duty bracing for your
project
You might want to try it without any to start.
new cars don't have the x brace, but I'm not sure if they're supported the same as our cars structurally.
Remember mid 80's cars from GM like the Monte Carlo and Buick Regal and the Grand National? Thay had the same type setup and those were structural.
In fact, the GNX model Grand Nationals had beefed up versions of those bars. Leave 'em in or replace with something stronger. Don't leave them out!
Rear wheel drive thats why.
Most new cars are front drive.
V8's right, don't leave them out.
the more power at the rear, the more bracing you should have, shock to shock and t-box areas
yeah, I'd hate to get a sagging rear deck. I'm going to look into a tight fitting aluminum rectangle made of 1x1 tubing and bolted in... If that's a no go I'll do steel and weld it.
I would go with the steel 1x1 or even 1x2 the flat way
you would need a big gobbin aluminum frame to do any good.
ok, I'll go with 1x1 :D
Watch out for exploding rear windows if you get too much body flex afterwards. Looks pretty structural to me...
.
no sagging here;)
Well, I'll stick to my original comment.
It does some support, but I would still put some tubing in there as a replacement, especially if you have a lot of power hitting the rear end. if your just cruising around, I don't think you'll notice it missing
As for Brett's project, he would need the bracing there for a couple reasons. ;)
ok,, now what to do with the gas tank?
Do you think it would be a problem?
like many others here,, including yourself, nothing is a problem to me but a challenge.
If the RWD is the topic,, i can imagine a couple different places the tank could go.