Might as well start at the beginning, I purchased my 05 Mustang convertible in July of 2010. Later in the year as I was changing rear end lube it was apparent my baby was soon to be in need of new rear support braces. My local Ford dealers parts department guys are very knowledgeable, experienced and empathetic towards us old school guys. They were able to order the OEM braces at that time at a cost of $755 for each side & offered to give me a jobber cost of $1100.00 for the set, this was in 2011 while the braces were still available from the motor company. Much like normal people that price was too much for such a simple structural component.
Since then 05-09 OEM bars have become obsolete with 2010 OEM braces available at $1100 per side, I decided to manufacture my own. My braces are made to be stronger than OEM bars and the cost of construction is not the primary objective. These braces are handmade, not stamped out from a length of hollow square stock.
There are several steps involved to hand craft this brace properly. First the braces have the arch installed in the channel steel to align with the curve in the frame. Second the holes and front frame notch are set in the steel by the milling machine Third step is the flat steel plate welded to the trunk end of the brace. Next step for the flat channel is the collar placement spacing the brace to chassis alignment. Lastly add the upright, which has a peculiar bend on each brace to reach the upper body bolt. My point is my brace is crafted by a certified Military Veteran welder that can make anything with more character and tremendous durability than an overpriced stamped out bracket. My braces are 100% Missouri/USA made.
The braces are then galvanized or powder coated with a satin black wrinkle finish to withstand the normal wear and exposure from the elements. Allowing you peace of mind for the lifetime of cruising in your Mustang convertible. Replacing rusted out braces with OEM sets, (new or take off) just moves the issue to another day and cost.
After my research on this part, it came down to discovering how many other drivers were going to have to give up their vehicles only because of the premature failure of from this component. It gives me that little pleasure each time I send out a set to another convertible owner keeping their ride going affordably. Hope to see you on the road someday.
Thanks,
Bud & Jet
Mustang Support Bars 2005-2009 & 2010-2014 Convertible 