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1977 Dodge Brace Removal
#152359 September 20th 2007 12:19 pm
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 83
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JoeDirt Offline OP
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Hey Dodge Vanners, I have a question for you. I am going to start some interior work soon and I plan to remove some or all of the spare tire support structure. I am definitely going to remove the vertical (on an angle) support that runs to the floor. However, regarding the horizontal brace that runs from back of side cargo doors to right of rear cargo doors, IS THERE ANY WORRY OF LOSING STRUCTURAL STRENGTH if I remove this brace? This brace is welded to the steel wall ribs or studs. I can use some advice from you folks that have been in my shoes.

Thanks,
Joe Dirt.
Appalacian Vans Revisited.

Re: 1977 Dodge Brace Removal
JoeDirt #152363 September 20th 2007 12:33 pm
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While I'm not 100% positive that removing that brace would hurt anything. I would venture to say that anytime you start removing structrual material from a unitized body, you run the risk of weakening the area any material was removed from.

Let me ask you this....why do you want to remove the brace? Just curious.


Nate Breece
Re: 1977 Dodge Brace Removal
NateB #152365 September 20th 2007 12:45 pm
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dan Offline
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I removed my spare tire mount that was inside the van, on the right rear inner wall, no problems there, just cut it right out.
The other surport that I think your referring too was left in.
I would think some people have removed them, it would be in the way of a large bay window?? Post a picture so we can be sure what your refering too.


DAN
BLUES TRAVELER-93 DODGE B250
2000 Astro LS fully loaded

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Re: 1977 Dodge Brace Removal
dan #152369 September 20th 2007 1:03 pm
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pooh-bah
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Just like Dan suggested, on my '81 B250 Maxivan that entire brace system (lengthwise brace *and* entire tire support structure) was removed by the conversion company, and it has a large conversion style window installed over the wheel well. The side panels are still nice and straight, so it seems to have survived well. It looks to me like the braces were cut out with a grinding wheel. All that's left are little tabs where the welds were.

I don't have a great picture of it, but here's one from when I was jacking the roof back up. (previous owner had overloaded it with cargo)

http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/...mp;current=81DodgeroofrepairIMG_0114.jpg

Hope that helps.

Clear skies!


-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van


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It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts...

Are you living to work, or working to live?

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Re: 1977 Dodge Brace Removal
Ram4ever #152392 September 20th 2007 3:46 pm
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pooh-bah
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I cut mine right out as well. It really doesnt offer any structural purpose other than keeping the spare from flying in an impact.





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