If you recall from our second...
If you recall from our second installment of TCP upgrades where we installed TCP's coilover suspension, the shock towers and stamped-steel export brace were removed in that story. But for those just tuning in or only installing the shock tower bracing system, you'll need to remove your upper shock-mounting bolts, shock mounts, and the four large bolts at the firewall.
Bolting an upgraded suspension to your early Ford isn't going to help things much if your chassis is flexing all over the place. The suspension needs a firm foundation to work off of, otherwise the suspension's movement transfers directly to the flexing chassis. Instead of a better handling car, you get a ride that is unpredictable in the corners and twitchy over anything but perfect roads. (And when was the last time you saw a perfectly paved road? We thought so.) We've actually raised early Mustangs with a floor jack in the front and have measured shock tower deflection. This is why Ford installed simple stamped-steel braces from the shock towers to the firewall in the first place. But spirited driving needs more supportive solutions, which is why the export brace and Monte Carlo bar were used more than four decades ago and continue to be a popular upgrade today. Now Total Control Products (TCP) has gone a few steps further in updating the classic chassis-stiffening devices, making them stronger, tying them together, and making them adjustable too.
TCP begins by whittling its mounting brackets, clamps, and other small items from 6061-T6 1/4-inch aluminum stock for the utmost strength, while offering a lighter weight system. The aluminum is also clear anodized to resist corrosion and give the system a long-lasting, great look. All bracing is made from 6061-T6 tubular aluminum utilizing swaged ends for strength in threaded mounting areas. The system can be installed in stages, with the main tower export brace being the basis of which the other optional bracing ties into. There's an optional Monte Carlo brace, and a pair of forward triangulation truss braces as well. Every tubular bar in each of the three kits is threaded for rod ends, making the whole system adjustable for easy installation. We'll be installing all three parts of the TCP shock tower bracing system on TCP's '65 Mustang coupe here, but the system is available for '65-'70 Mustang, '67-'70 Cougar, and '60-'65 Falcon models as well.
Export Brace Installation
The first part of the tower...
The first part of the tower bracing system to be installed will be the firewall support. The aluminum brace is secured using the kit's 1-inch-long, 3/8-inch button-head bolts, flat washers, and locknuts. Just snug these for now, as you'll have more fasteners to install through the firewall.
Using the mounted bracket...
Using the mounted bracket as a drill guide, drill three 3/8-inch holes through the firewall where indicated. Be sure to temporarily relocate any wiring or insulation on the back side of the firewall so the drill bit doesn't damage anything.
Using the supplied 1-1/4-inch-long...
Using the supplied 1-1/4-inch-long button-head bolts with flat washers and locknuts, secure the bracket to the firewall with the included backing plate as shown here. Tighten these bolts to 30 ft-lb, and then go back and tighten the four bolts installed previously to 30 ft-lb as well.
If you have a stock-type suspension,...
If you have a stock-type suspension, you'll reuse the shock mounting bracket studs as shown. Simply slip the shock tower plate over the studs, and then secure the shock mounting bracket on top with the original nuts.
If you have the TCP or other...
If you have the TCP or other coilover front suspension installed, the shock tower plate will mount with the coilover upper mounting bracket's hardware, as seen here. If you want to lower ride height a bit, you can sandwich the shock tower plate between the shock tower and the coilover mount, lowering the car 1/4-inch farther.
Unpack the two tubular braces...
Unpack the two tubular braces and the four rod ends from the kit. Apply a light coat of antiseize to the threads on all four rod ends and then thread a rod end into each end of the tubular braces. The rod ends with the zinc jamb nuts are lefthand threaded and they will thread into the end of the tube with the knurling, indicating the lefthand-threaded end.
Secure the lefthand-threaded...
Secure the lefthand-threaded rod end to the firewall bracket. Ensure the rod end mounts under the bracket, as shown, and then secure with a 1-inch-long, 3/8-inch button-head bolt and lock nut at 30 ft-lb. Repeat for the opposite side.
Adjust the overall length...
Adjust the overall length by holding the unsecured rod end and rotating the tubular brace, maintaining equal thread engagement at both ends of the brace. Secure the rod end to the shock tower plate with a 1-3/4-inch-long, 3/8-inch button-head bolt and locknut. Note the rod end goes on the top of the plate and that the tapered spacer is used at this end of the tubular brace. Tighten to 30 ft-lb and then repeat for the opposite side.
Finally, check to ensure the...
Finally, check to ensure the tubular brace and rod ends are free to rotate and that there's no preload on the braces and then tighten the rod end jam nuts to 30 ft-lb.