SeanR

Polished mine.

Mrmerlin

I got mine powder coated black.
As far as the cross brace being off , I have never heard of this requirment, and it isnt really convienient if your doing engine work with the car on a lift, I have watched the amount of flex that happens by loosening one side and waching the bolts move as the car comes off the ground, about quarter to half inch or so, i always tighten the crossbrace up after lowering the car onto the ground, I have never broken a windshield, and it is one of the first things i remove, if i am working on the engine, with the car usually on the lift. I thought that the cross brace was installed to box the front end suspension, and tie in the upper control arms, and shocks. I would be interested to find out if this is in fact a true caveat, Thanks for your time, Stan

RyanPerrella

I vote for paint

justin

Mines polished as well.

heinrich

I polished mine, looks sweet.

928ntslow

Entirely depends on the car and what the exterior paint and engine color scheme is IMHO.

2 options..

POLISHED


PAINTED

Garth S

You are correct - I edited my post above - see for details

Garth S

Stan, You are correct: see my edited post - I was poorly attempting to caution removal or attachment of the bar without the suspension loaded ( ref WSM quote) Yes, I too hoist cars with the brace off for working convenience .

linderpat

Whew...thanks for the update Garth! Was wondering what a pita the R&R was going to be

Marine Blue

Simple, do whatever you prefer.

Each has advantages and disadvantages. If you don't mind repolishing every once in a while and the possiblity of scratching paint would drive you nuts then the answer is easy.

If you don't want to polish regularly and like the look of paint go with paint.

heinrich

i'm thinking he wanted opinions Good point on upkeep. My polished one looks great with no more work after 4 years so far.

s928s

I have a custom cross brace that is polished..

Panzer9

I stripped mine bare to a matte finish and clear-coated it. The highly polished look appears too "chromed" for my liking- unless it matches other polished components on you motor.

OpusX67

Painted to match intake and valve covers.

FlyingDog

I like the classic rust finish on mine.... but I'd paint or powder coat it if I wasn't lazy.