Unibrace for the Beetle

[norcalturbobug]

count me in too

[Ed999]

Not to be left out, I'm joining in too.
Email sent to ya Bruce!

Thanks

[Audiomechanic]

Someone clue me in. What does a Unibrace do?

[Nashman28]

I would also go for one, but can it be shipped overseas

[sublow1]

I am in for at lest 1

[shawny]

hmmm I'm dead serious because weirdly I was very close to buying one of these the other night assuming it would fit.

[mel72349]

Originally Posted by Audiomechanic

Someone clue me in. What does a Unibrace do?

The brace ties the rear upper suspension mountings together to strengthen the body structure and help remove flex in the rear portion of the hatchback. This eliminates wheel alignment mis-tracking and improves handling.

[Hollywood]

Any idea how long before you'll have the New Beetle version ready?

[GTItraveler]

I've only had four people contact me so far. See Mel's first post. It seems that there are a lot of other people who are interested but I haven't heard from them. Please give me your user name as well as your real name and email.

I currently ship all over the world so that is not a problem. As soon as I have an idea that there is enough interest I will proceed. I will be sending out measurement requests in the next couple of days so we can tie down sizes. Also, as I mentioned to Mel, I would like to know if you as NB owners want this to be higher (covering part of the plastic) and thereby more structurally effective or lower (more flexible for using the hatch). As a performance oriented person my preference is for the former, but I want to hear from the NB people. What would you like to see? Bruce

[Audiomechanic]

Originally Posted by mel72349

The brace ties the rear upper suspension mountings together to strengthen the body structure and help remove flex in the rear portion of the hatchback. This eliminates wheel alignment mis-tracking and improves handling.

Thanks!

[elmer fudd]

any pics of mk4 golf ones, to help those that are on the fringe decide if they would be interested.

[mel72349]

Originally Posted by elmer fudd

any pics of mk4 golf ones, to help those that are on the fringe decide if they would be interested.

Check these sites:

JCapsOnline.com - (UNIbrace) Rear Stress Brace

Unibrace

[elmer fudd]

cool idea, but for that price, I could and will make my own.

[SMG]

Please make it as high as possible (the MK4 ones are perfect visually). People installing one of these need to realize they're sacrificing the "flatbed" mode of their cars for handling performance.

[GTItraveler]

Yes, it has always been my intention to make this in the same general way as the MkIV and MkV UNIbracesbecause that is best from a performance standpoint (taller anchorage means more triangulation). What I need from you guys are clear photographs looking towards the rear of the car. I will annotate what exact dimensions are necessary. Additionally, it is critical to see what is behind the carpet at each side location. Can someone take clear photographs of that?

Mel: I still do not have emails from enough people. If they have contacted you please forward their contact info to me. Bruce

[SMG]

Bump! Someone else has to be interested in this?!

You should post this on VWVortex to attract a few more people. There's a lot over there who never post over here.

[mel72349]

It is important to me that a Unibrace for the New Beetle is as high as possible (for maximum performance), but low enough to retain the hatch cover that hinges behind the rear seat back.

I just sent some pics to Bruce for his reference.

Chime in if you have any thoughts.

[pm22071985]

Is bruce going to only make one run of production when he gets 12 payers?

Or is he going to just starting designing it when he gets 12 payers and if somebody wants one down the line he can manufacture it then?

[mel72349]

Originally Posted by pm22071985

Is bruce going to only make one run of production when he gets 12 payers?

Or is he going to just starting designing it when he gets 12 payers and if somebody wants one down the line he can manufacture it then?

Suggest anyone with questions or interest, contact Bruce directly.

One thing's for sure, unless enough folks tell him they're definitely in, a NC Unibrace isn't going to happen.

Bruce Levin

Studiolevin

info@unibrace.com

Unibrace

[GTItraveler]

Hello Pat,

I was approached by several people who were interested in a UNIbrace fro the NB. At the moment, 13 people have expressed interest.
I do not know how many people will follow through when I ask for a deposit. For custom orders such as this I will need a 50% deposit before starting.

What I need are accurate photos so I can begin the design work. Mel has given me an overall shot, but what I still need are:
1. An overall photo with the plastic interior panels removed. This is the area where the seat latches are.
2. Closeups of the seat latch areas also with the plastic parts removed.

I will then annotate the photos and ask for specific accurate dimensions. This is what I need to get this product to you guys (and gals).

To date, these are the people who have expressed interest:
1. Mel72349
2. natasha.noble@............com (sorry I don't know your user name)
3. hollywoodsbug
4. SMG
5. pm22071895
6. sublow
7. shawny
8. nashman28
9. ed999
10. norcalturbobug
11.turbos03
12. nbgls!
13. beetlethis

If people are really interested and haven't yet done so, I need them to contact me via email so I have their full contact info.

Regards,

Bruce Levin
Studiolevin
info@unibrace.com
Unibrace

UNIbrace: The ultimate rear stress brace for the VW Golf Platform℠