Fender Braces

Production cars are primarily designed for street driving at legal speeds, and if used accordingly their as-delivered construction is generally adequate for the purpose. But if a production model is modified for performance driving or racing, then additional structural reinforcement and support is often needed. And a custom-built racing machine may need support in areas never dreamed of by a factory engineer. But regardless of whether you’re modifying something off the showroom floor or constructing a hand-built racer we have the fender braces you need for strength and support.

Because even performance models have to also serve as transportation, certain compromises are part of their design and manufacturing process. The desire for good handling must be balanced with the need for comfortable ride quality, and of course the car must be constructed in such a way that it meets all safety standards, is affordable to the buyer, and its sale is profitable for the manufacturer. Therefore chassis are commonly spot-welded together, which for performance driving can unfortunately result in a structure with too much flex.

This method of production is economical, and a degree of chassis flex is actually desirable for a comfortable ride because, in addition to the suspension, the chassis also absorbs the shock from bumps and pot holes. However, when the car is pushed hard during performance street driving or on the racetrack, this same flex results in poor steering response and feedback, cowl shake and vibration, excessive front end stress during hard braking, and understeer due to a loss of tire grip and traction at the front wheels. Since the chassis is the vehicle’s foundation, many knowledgeable chassis tuners recommend that it be strengthened first before modifying the suspension.

Certain chassis areas are more prone to flex than others, and some models are known for particular chassis problems. Fortunately, the specialists at our performance suspension brands are well-versed in these deficiencies and what it takes to correct them, and our digital shelves are stocked with the components you need to increase the rigidity of your chassis. A strengthened chassis will make your vehicle feel more solid, and steering will be more responsive and predictable. With a fortified chassis, and the addition of performance shocks & struts, performance springs, performance sway bars and other aftermarket suspension parts, you’ll experience the exceptional handling that makes performance driving so enjoyable.

Subframe connectors and braces and strut tower braces, are the most well-known and popular chassis stiffeners. Hard cornering can make subframes twist and flex, which causes poor steering response and upsets the suspension, disturbing the wheel alignment and allowing the tires to lose grip. Aggressive cornering also makes the strut towers twist and flex, resulting in poor steering response, cowl shake, and understeer in turns. Subframe connectors and braces reinforce and strengthen the chassis, and strut tower braces connect the strut towers together, increasing chassis rigidity, but on some vehicles more strengthening is needed in the form of stronger crossmembers, K members, frame reinforcements, and fender braces.

Fender braces help strengthen the chassis by connecting the front end to the cabin or the radiator core support to the fenders. With fender braces installed you’ll have less nose dive under heavy braking, and improved stability during hard cornering, with less vibration, noise and cowl shake over bumps. Our fender braces are constructed from lightweight but heavy-duty steel or aluminum, depending on application, and designed for a simple bolt-on installation – no welding or fabrication required. They’re an affordable, easy-to-install way to reduce flex and increase chassis rigidity, and gain the steering accuracy and precise handling you want. And because exposed braces are available in polished and powder coated finishes, they can also be a stylish addition to your engine bay.

Purpose built racing machines constructed for dirt and asphalt circle track racing and road racing need a different kind of fender brace. The chassis on these cars are specially built and don’t need additional strengthening and the fenders are shaped to make the car as aerodynamic as possible. The fender braces we offer are designed to support the fenders and keep them in place, but they’re also adjustable so the fenders can be positioned for optimal airflow over the body and for maximum downforce. Some are even available in flexible plastic so they won’t break as a result of vehicle contact that is a routine occurrence in this type of competition. These fender braces come with hardware and they can also be used to support other race car body parts like roofs.