Brera Spider underfloor bracing

Andy Marshall

Member
Messages
297
Was looking under our Brera spider today and noticed that one of the underfloor cross braces has corroded through completely. They appear to be just a strips of metal, about 4mm thick, bolted to the underside ahead of the rear suspension.
Anybody got any clue where I can get one of these? I've tried looking at the various on line catalogues but I'm not being anything available.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
I would just make it if they are bolt on strips. Any metal supplier will cut to length and then you just have to dril it.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
As above, I've heard them described as agricultural! and more rubbing strips than bracing.
 

Navcorr

Member
Messages
3,839
There was an ML discussion a while ago about improving Masser Spyder chassis flex, scuttle shake, etc.
The cross-brace that is available is reportedly almost useless so, seemingly, someone had an alternative additional brace fitted.
A modified Flyin' Miata: https://www.flyinmiata.com/fm-butterfly-brace-1990-97.html
I'm not sure if any photos were ever provided though - an interesting idea none the less.
Perhaps something similar could be fashioned.
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,756
Brera, Spider & 159 were all built to a cost that was probably cutting the quality too low, they all suffer with failure as the years roll on
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
That's why I always felt my older GTV's were a better quality than the Brera or my friends 159.
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
It’s a well known problem on that era of car. Autolusso in Houghton Regis can try to save the subframe, or more likely, sell you a powder coated replacement.
 

Andy Marshall

Member
Messages
297
well we now have two new rear underfloor braces on the Brera spider. They had to be fabricated, and the specialist has made them out of box section rather than flat plate. There is a noticeable improvement in chassis stiffness (ie, reduction in flex). The rear bolts were apparently an absolute bugger to remove, but the good news is that the front braces are apparently fine and the subframes/rest of underfloor is pretty good. Brera lives to fight another day!
Went to collect the Brera in my 4200 Spyder - my first properly long drive in her this year, and I am once again blown away by how lovely a car it is to drive, especially on the new MPS4s.