Is underhood fender bracing factory or a custom add-on?

[Dibbons]

I am seeing black tubular braces that run from the inner fenders to the middle of the firewall on some Satellites and Roadrunners at about a 45 degree angle. I'm not sure if they are on 1971 and 1972 or just one of those year models. Most of the underhood pictures I see don't include these braces. Are these factory items that some owners take off their cars or are they an additional brace that strengthen the underhood integrity that some owners fabricate for themselves? Thank you.

 

[Badvert65]

They were factory on my 74 Road Runner.

 

[flypaper]

factory on 72 and up

 

[SureGrip]

factory on 72 and up

What he said.

Many are missing because people got tired of working around them, or took them off to do engine work and never put them back.

 

[RJS]

The first 72 I bought in 1977 from Original owner didn't have them or any sign of them being removed.
This second one I have now has them. Wish I knew what dictated them.
Ron

 

[Dibbons]

Just heard they were only used on big blocks 1972 and up.

 

[RJS]

Both of mine were.
Ron

 

[moparmarks]

72 -74 all motors.
72 are different than 73-4.

 

[Badvert65]

I have seen them on a 73 340 Road Runner. I had it as a parts car.

 

[moparmarks]

I've had 318 cars with them too.

 

[rlahaie]

The statement that all 72s had these is not correct. Mine was originally a 340 4bbl car and it has no traces of the braces. Nice to know that the 72 parts are different from the 73-74 parts. Unfortunately I bought some 73 braces which do not fit. They are for sale if anyone who has a 73-73 wants them.
Rolland