Abstract: A bracket of graphite epoxy has a cylindrical portion which hingedly fits within a dovetail groove extending in the machine direction across the injection face of a papermaking headbox. The bracket has downstream portions defining a vane-receiving slot which receives a plastic sheet vane which is held by screws. The bracket is laid up of carbon fibers oriented so that the coefficient of thermal expansion matches the steel from which the headbox is manufactured. A two-part metal mold is used to define the underside and the bead portion of the bracket. A rubber gasket of Shore 70 material forms the center of the bead portion about which prepregs of graphite cloth are wrapped. A removable polytetrafluoroethylene insert defines the slot during molding. The assembly is placed under a vacuum bag and heated, causing the rubber gasket to expand and press the overlying graphite prepregs against the sides of the mold.