Project "Chihuahua" '65 Formula S Restoration "Estilo Mexicano"

Update: Driver's side exhaust manifold braces (that most times we find missing). I fabricated one piece from hollow tubing and the other from flat stock. (I found one similar piece in a storage box that seemed correct, but it was just a little off and would not fit exactly). A forum member gave me the approximate dimensions of both parts.

When I went to install the starter after having already installed these pieces, I found the upper starter bolt almost would not clear the brace that fits into the engine block (see photo #1). I must have something arranged a little differently than factory (or else the head of the factory bolts are smaller). I could not fit a socket or box end wrench on this starter bolt I was just about to shorten a Craftsman 5/8" combination end wrench before finding a "mini" adjustable end wrench in my wife's tiny tool box. See starter installation below for more:

exhaust brace 7.JPG

exhaust brace 8.JPG

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