YES, you must brace before putting on a spit.

The Factory had clamps and a bar that fastened to the Windshield frame and ran back to the Top Well area. At least that was what we did at BAP. I would assume other plants did the same.

They were very stout and heavy, they stayed on till paint. The bodys were lifted by LOUDEN Cranes and transferred from Framing to the body trucks for Metal and Paint and Trim. Braces kept them from bending in the air as they were transferred.

Heavy Framing spotwelders that hung from above would have played hell on the Body integrity as well.

On my Vert we welded bracing from the firewall area to the cross member near the wheelhouse that holds the pump. Any body work after the braces were removed is easy to smooth out and not noticeable.

You can also add a brace between the front door jamb and the lock pillar. I have seen this before, again you will have to grind the welds smooth after Rotisserie removal, but no big deal.

Do one or both, your choice. Both is better. Other wise you will end up with a pretzel