Hi everyone!

Been doing some fixerups to the ol' protege and I came across a part that I would like to replace, but I cannot find it anywhere!

I am doing my shocks this weekend, and thought this "c-shim" (for lack of a better term?) would come with the strut assembly kits, but it doesn't! They're both completely rusted through and I'd like to replace them.

This is the "c-shim" that sits "ontop" of the body over where the struts mount up into the engine compartment. They appear to just act as a spacer for the bolts, and also hold a few things in place, like power steering line on one side, and battery cover arm on the other.

Please help me answer these three questions if you could:

What are these things called?
Where can I find them (online or B&M)?

lastly...
How can I prevent the new ones from becoming rusted like these?

Please see the photos here:

Engine Body (Wide shot):


Driver Side:


Pass. Side:


Thanks for your help!


(P.S. 2002 Protege ES 2.0L 4-door; 143K miles)

 

I found the answer to my own question:

This part is called a "Stiffener"!!
Mazda Part#: CB0134050A

Called the dealership. They have them [out of stock] for $18.06.
Found them on this site for $11/per, plus $9.95 for shipping:

http://www.partswebsite.com/mazdapar...partnum=accept