69 under dash braces

[Thomas F.]

My car is a convertible and has several under dash braces. Two of the braces that attach to the steering column support are right in the way of my speedo and tach cable connections. One of the braces on the left side was missing when I purchased the car and after finding and purchasing the brace I understand why it was missing. It is right in the way of the speedo cable. I don't think I will be able to use this brace. The brace on the right side is also in a bad place. I can probably force my tach cable to fit, but I don' like to force things to fit. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Something is wrong, I am sure it was not like this when new.

[Gary K.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

I've got my entire '68 convertible dash opened up & been working in there. I have no braces at all, the only thing resembling a metal brace is the two metal steering wheel column support you mentioned. They hang from the upper metal at bottom of windshield. Either side L & R no braces, horizontal or vertical. And nothing is in way of my speedo / tach connections so perhaps they were removed.... but I can definitely live without any obstructions. GK

[Edward B.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

Gary, you won't have the braces. They were added in 1969 for convertibles because of the horrible body flex found in the 1968 convertibles.

Tom, I had my speedometer cable out a few month ago but I don't remember having any issues putting it back in. But then again, I had the dash pulled forward a few inches to make things easier.

Ed

[Gary K.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

Thank you Ed, I'm discovering more and more '68-only differences and this one I never would've guessed.

GK

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

Gary my FEB 1968 built Corvette convertible does not have the braces. I "believe" that I once read that later model 1968's had braces.

[Gary K.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

Gary my FEB 1968 built Corvette convertible does not have the braces. I "believe" that I once read that later model 1968's had braces.

Jim - what are the chances I can get you to rough measure your seatbelts? Just as they come up from the sides of the seat not a seat removal kind of thing.

I'm having a heck of a time trying to find this factoid out for my own Feb '68. If anyone can help me out (rough +/- few inches) would appreciate it. GK

[Jeff P.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

My June build 68 has these braces. I'll try to find a picture.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

My June build 68 has these braces. I'll try to find a picture.

Jeff, et al-----

The 1968 AIM does show the braces for convertibles. So, apparently, they were added sometime during the year. A 1968 with the braces is a better car than those without. GM didn't add these parts because things worked just as well without them. In this case, most assuredly! Even with the braces there is a lot of flex (and related squeaks and rattles) with C3 convertibles.

By the way, with the dash panels out, the braces can be rather easily removed for servicing of other underdash components. However, adding the braces to a 1968 not originally so-equipped would be difficult as the birdcage-mounted attaching points would have to be added.

[Jeff P.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

Gary it has taken time but this is what I have measured on my 1968. Both seat belts are about 29 inches from the anchor point to the buckles. I did remove them, just measured with a tape measure from one end to the other.

[Gary K.]

Re: 69 under dash braces / seatbelt length pls pls!

Perfect information and just what I needed thank you.

[Bill L.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

My car is a convertible and has several under dash braces. Two of the braces that attach to the steering column support are right in the way of my speedo and tach cable connections. One of the braces on the left side was missing when I purchased the car and after finding and purchasing the brace I understand why it was missing. It is right in the way of the speedo cable. I don't think I will be able to use this brace. The brace on the right side is also in a bad place. I can probably force my tach cable to fit, but I don' like to force things to fit. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Something is wrong, I am sure it was not like this when new.

There is only one way to properly rout the speedo and tach cables. A 69 Convertible is very similar to my 70. I just went out and checked and the speedo cable goes to the left and the tach cable goes to the right of the steering column support. I have no trouble reaching behind the dash and touching the cables. Removing the tach cable and reattaching should not be a real problem. The speedo is a little tougher to get to if you have bigger hands but is doable. The hard part can be depressing the clip. I do remember reattaching the cables was a little work since the cable has to line up properly with the housing. My braces are there too.

Maybe not much help other than moral support.

Bill

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 under dash braces

My previous post is wrong, I "did not" remove my 68's seat belts to measure. Glad you saw the post since I took me so long to measure. My 68 is on my 4-post lift and I had to get a step ladder to get high enough to measure.