X-Brace is a must if you value your life...if the drive shaft ever let loose at the trans output. I don't have any subframe connectors and it's never been a problem for my lowly 360HP block. Is the paint acrylic Lacquer? I have a 20 plus year old paint job, and the paint is very fragile, and does not flex at all. If it chips, it goes down to primer.
There's nothing like cruising the open road with the top down...enjoy.
