TCP's Export Brace Installation - Brace Yourself

The Monte Carlo bar installation requires drilling mounting holes in the inner fender panels. Measure 12-1/2 inches rearward from the lip of the radiator core support and center the bracket's 1/2-inch mounting hole on this measurement. You can fudge the measurement a little to clear any engine accessories if need be. Mark the two mounting holes and drill 1/8-inch pilot holes to start.

Place the steel backing plate on the back side of the fender and double check that the pilot holes are centered before going further. Adjust the pilot holes as needed.

Use a 3/8-inch drill bit to finish drilling the mounting holes.

Install the Monte Carlo bar bracket to the fender using the steel backing plate and the included 3/8-inch button-head bolts, washers, and locknuts. Tighten the hardware to 30 ft-lb and ensure the aluminum bracket is square to the top of the inner fender.

Layer the top of the inner fender with masking or painter's tape directly over the bracket, as shown. This will help to prevent any paint chipping when drilling from the back side.

Using the steel backing plate as a guide, drill the two horizontal bolt holes out with a 3/8-inch drill bit from the back side of the inner fender.

Install the two remaining 3/8-inch button-head bolts in the top two holes and tighten to 30 ft-lb each. The completed installation will look like this. Repeat the mounting steps for the driver-side bracket.

Since we're also installing the forward truss braces with our project, we went ahead and slid the tube clamps onto the Monte Carlo bar at this time to save us the hassle of unbolting it five minutes later to install that phase of the project. We're not lazy, we're smart thinkers. Yeah, that's it!

Thread the rod ends onto the Monte Carlo bar, remembering that the lefthand-threaded rod end has the zinc jamb nut and the lefthand-thread end of the bar has the knurling. Lightly coat the threads with antiseize as well. Secure one end of the Monte Carlo bar to the inner fender bracket using the supplied 1-3/4-inch-long, 1/2-inch bolt and locknut as shown to 40 ft-lb.

Like the export brace, the Monte Carlo bar requires adjusting to fit between the mounting brackets. Hold the loose rod end to prevent it from rotating and then rotate the tubular bar until the mounting hole lines up and secure with the remaining 1/2-inch bolt and locknut.

Once the Monte Carlo bar is secured, ensure the rod end thread engagement is equal on both ends and then tighten the jamb nuts to lock the adjustment in.