Monte carlo bar- application

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I have a 1969 cougar conv. with a 390, classic air A/C unit, and I,m using an oval air canister. My question is - is there anyone that knows if a curved monte carlo will work on this set up?

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2

The curved ones do nothing. The flex at the curve. The straight ones are little better. The one piece k brace is the best option

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3

Dont foget the reinforced cross member & the afore mentioned Xport brace. A must for all converts.

Monte Carlo is a place. Notunder your hood. Total waste of time & $

4

Yes. Usually people use the curved bar for oval breathers, distributor access, or because it looks cool.
Post a pic of your car. Convertibles with the 390 are super cool.

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I’m not a racer, but what I have gleaned from those that are or were - the curved bar is basically cosmetic. The Cougars that were actually raced used straight bars, or in a pinch one they bent just enough for clearance.

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Like this? https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/xcross.html

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Yep!

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So far my 1970 XR-7 convertible M-code has an export brace.

What should be the next steps on its stiffening journey?

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The above mentioned cross member. Softer shocks, as stiffer shock can make the “ride a bit disconnected from the front” .

If you have front suspension off you can do the welding described in the “Boss 302 Chassis modification book” it has stuff you will not use, but its a good read & suggests these exact mods.

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In addition to a Drake export brace from WCCC, and install of Z Ray’s stouter reinforced crossmember with locking camber plate pockets with jacking pad, and other front suspension upgrades like Arning/Shelby dropped upper arms, reinforced lower arms along with power steering system and box rebuild, and a 1” sway bar my ‘69 standard handles so much nicer. H-2 Mercury 2, does the Classic Air conversion prevent fitment of an export brace on your ‘69 vert, leading you to considering the monte carlo bar? Been 8 months, so maybe you’ve gone ahead with the monte carlo bar?

Link to Z Ray’s crossmember (sheesh, steel prices are up!) https://www.ebay.com/itm/236119712124?itmmeta=01KXN1CA7XB0RP90CC1XX8CT5V&hash=item36f9d4e17c:g:pucAAOSwLEtYkVTc