[a427sc]

Ant

I have done something different, with the same idea in mind. The ERA has a hooplike structure at the firewall area. A beam runs across the firewall, side to side , just above the bellhousing. It connects to 2 steel vertical box sections (one per side of course), which also serves as the support for the door hinges. This box then reconnects back to the main frame rail. I ran 1 1/2" tubes from the outer corners of the firewall structure forward to the upper shock mount. This stiffened the engine compartment, about 16-18" above the main frame kick-up. I then attached a second bar from the box section, back along the door and tied into a frame member which is part of the rear kickup. Added some tubes down from that bar and bend into the main frame.

This forms somewhat of a side impact "basket", also tying the the rear kickup into the front shock mounts. There are some bends in the engine compartment to allow heavy impact deflection. Maybe not quite as elegant as carbon fiber, but simple minds fine simple solutions.

I hope this makes sense. Maybe a trip to the ERA website for a picture of the frame will help.

Don