truedualws6

Thought I would share my install experience so far with the Kenny Brown
double diamond SFCs for my convertible. Spent about 4 hours at the muffler
shop on the rack getting them into place so they fit decent. Both sides required
a significant amount of massaging to make them fit. I had to cut about 1/2"
off the front plate on both sides so that the rectangular tube would contact
the frame. The mounting plates were all different and required different amounts
of heating and bending to get them to lay reasonably flat against the frame.

The floor panel center reinforcement needed to be heated and bent on both
sides at the rear attachment (it bolts on top of the SFCs at this location) to
clear the SFC mounting plate. I also needed to install two longer bolts for the
rear driver side of the floor panel center reinforcement.

Another side issue that only affects me is I had to heat and bend my O2 sensor
bung upwards so the rear O2 sensor will clear the SFC (due to my custom
exhaust setup).

Other than all the above, the install went smooth as silk, so far. We only tacked
the SFCs at the front and back for now. I will drive the car around a bit and
let them settle in before welding everything up. I'll also take some pictures and
post them up after the final welding.

From the moment I idled the car forward and pulled out of the driveway it was
obvious the SFCs were in there. I'm really surprised how much of a difference
there is in body stiffness, and this is without them completely welded up. To give
you an idea how much a convertible flexes, the driver side SFC rattles against
the frame over short sudden bumps like lane dots. Granted it's not comletely
welded in, but shows there is lots of movement.

Any recommendations on a paint or coating for the SFCs and the welds? We
pretty much destroyed the factory coating with all the heating and bending.

gt_biker13

POR-15 is supposed to work real good for under coating and rust protection.