Kenny Brown 1999 Cobra Extreme Matrix Chassis Brace Installation Photos
Mike Dempster of Woodland Hills, California (mikedempster@loop.com)
sent me these photographs of how the KB subs were installed on his
99 Cobra Coupe. The modifications that Mike recommends include notching
the pieces to clear the tubing on the passenger side before carefully welding
in the parts. The photos show clearly how the parts fit and the modification
Mike believes are necessary to make to avoid any rubbing or interference
with the existing tubing long term.
None of the tubes were notched or scalloped as delivered by Kenny Brown. Obviously, the tubing and braces interfered on the passenger side. Mike and his installer modified the braces to clear the tubing as shown in the photos. All scallops for tubing clearance were TIG welded with tubing sections and Mike believes the modified tubes are as strong, if not stronger than the original tubes.
The fit issue may not exist on other 99's - but after viewing photos of other installations, Mike believes that the best installation will be one in which the braces are modified for clearance with the tubing lines as shown in the photographs. Mike felt that the possibility for a rub where there was an interference may eventually cause a leak in the tubing over the long-term.
Mike adds that the cad-iridite plating finish interferes with the welding and that he would have been happier if the tubing had been delivered with a simple coat of black paint. The cad-iridite plating as supplied, even after grinding it off per the instructions before welding, migrated during the welding process and made the installation take much longer.
Other Cobra owners should keep these comments in mind when installing the KB (or any other) braces. Mike wants everyone to know how happy he is with the final installation and positive benefits of the KB chassis braces. He definitely feels that the extra effort he put into fitting and finishing his particular installation was well worth the time and money. The braces are highly recommended by Mike, to the level that I may even have to get them sooner rather than later myself.
Mike estimates that the braces will add roughly 25 pounds weight to the car, but notes that he did not attempt to weigh them prior to installation.
If you have any questions or comments about the installation, you should contact Mike via e-mail at mikedempster@loop.com.
A reminder from other installers is to support the car on a wheel or suspension lift, not a chassis or frame lift. This is so the chassis deflection when the braces are welded is the same as it is when the car is normally supported on its wheels. If the car is supported by the frame with the wheels hanging, the deflection of the car is not normal and welding in the subs will actually put the car in a bind when it is back on the ground.