Fiberglass Engine Bay Q

I'm all but done with the rebuild but was wondering if anyone else out there that installed a fiberglass tub had hooked in the grill supports (between radiator and firewall). I'd have to fab up some plates -- no biggie, but I thought that if I took a hit in the front end, the energy would likely travel through those two rods, into the mounting plate, and punch through the firewall (leaving a giany hole) and allow the radiator to enter the fan anyway.

Is there much danger to leaving them off? Too much potential front end movement laterally?

Thanks,

 

My friend left his out (he has a CJ7 w/fiberglass tub) he braced the front clip down to the frame where fenders and grill come together. He's been running it that way with no problems yet. Seems ok though.
Joe

 

My old fiberglass tub did not have them hooked up. Was that way for 22 years w/out problems. Thats all glass parts though, fiberglass fenders, grill, hood etc...May make a difference if your using the steel grill (more weight).

 

Thanks,

I'll leave it open for now and see what happens. There is a bit of lateral movement because the bottom grill mount is on about 2" of rubber required of the body lift.

 

I built a CJ-7 with a all f-glass body except for the grill and windshield frame. The body I had had a VERY thick double wall firewall. The lip of the body was too thick to bolt the grill rods directly to. So I made two mounting brackets out of angle iron that I Riveted to the firewall with 1/4 rivets. It worked out great. I may have some pics around somewhere if you like.