GRP4 Strut brace

[Duffer]

More of a pub question than a problem to solve.

The GRP4 Escorts had a welded on strut brace fitted infront of the front struts, whereas a bolt on brace fits directly across the centres of the front struts, which to me makes more sense.

Why would the GRP4 one have been welded infront of the struts, instead of welded centrally over the struts?

Anyone know?

[Graham]

in terms of stiffening up the bodyshell whether the brace is central or just in front of the struts will make no real difference. it might of been that regulations at the time didnt allow bolting stuff to the strut tops, or even that a bolt on mod was thought of as inferior, or perhaps there were clearances issues with something.

One question i would ask is were G4 actually the way you describe?
lots of mods are described as being droup 4 but were never period g4 mods

[seanyroche]

Hi I just had a look at the Escort Works Rally Prep book as it has a chapter on strut braces, they go on about having it bolted centrally to the strut tops then mention it may be necessary to weld two tubes either end to effectively raise the bar up for engine clearance. The next page shows the alternative weld brackets in front of the struts. Both options were used on Works cars, it even says that may competitors remove the strut bar for UK events as they find it unnecessarily stiff.

[Duffer]

Thanks guys. I am sure you are right Graham that alot are long after G4. Looking at this in my workshop the other night I wondered that if it was just welded onto the strut top reinforcement plate, if that then becomes a weak point which is why it may have been done, ie it would be reliant upon the spot welds holding the strut plate on.

Seany, I had completely forgotton about the book! Doh! I'll go and find mine and blow the dust off!

Thanks again