1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Fabbing Weekend - Strut Bar Creation

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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 08:44 AM
  #1  
kmonto85's Avatar
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From: Greenbrier, AR
Fabbing Weekend - Strut Bar Creation

Thanks to the templates in the archive section, my son and I made our strut bar. It didn't turn out that bad. We are working on the logo for the center plate.

Since ours is a SE we had to deviate from the plans in the archive though.

Pictures:
Attached Thumbnails Fabbing Weekend - Strut Bar Creation-strut_bar_1.jpg   Fabbing Weekend - Strut Bar Creation-strut_bar_2.jpg  
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 10:48 AM
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Glad that the writeup helped. If nothing else, it gives you some measurements to start with when you are making those pesky baseplates. It can be tricky to get those right. I spent 75% of my time trying to get them right when I made mine. I figured posting the dimensions could save everyone some of the trial and error hassle that I had to go through....
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 12:24 PM
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John64's Avatar
What?
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From: CT
Thats like my PC Racing one. I like the logo plate you put in. I hope you dont have to get to the alternator.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 03:03 PM
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love the braaaap
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From: Bognor, Ontario
Nice design overall. That center plate may be a weak spot though. Is it the plate that connects the two bars together, or does the bar actually go under that plate? How thick is the center plate as well? 1/4"? Personally I have a different design for my strut bar in mind. I just don't like how whimpy most look. They look as if they would flex as much as the chassis does, expecially those almuminum ebay ones.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 04:30 PM
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Thanks for the compliments.

Actually the bars are welded together in the center, then the 3/8" plate (same stuff I used to make my log splitter), was then cut and welded to the bars. I over do it all the time and I bet I could stand on that center piece if I had to.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 04:37 PM
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Looks great! Have you driven the car since the install? How much of a difference did you find in the overall performance of the car?
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 04:49 PM
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It tightened the front end up a lot. Interesting how these things just enhance what is already something great.

Now I am thinking one for the back, if anything it would help protect the subs from being yanked out.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 05:23 PM
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Very nice! I need to share strut bar build when I get the chance but been very busy lately. I agree it did tightened the front end on my car too. Now I just need to upgrade that front sway bar. Nice job Kmonto85!
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Old Feb 5, 2008 | 06:54 PM
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I made mine about 2 weeks ago now. Turned out great. Been to busy to really drive the car, But it seemed to do something. I plan to join it to the firewall, but we will see what happens.
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Old Feb 5, 2008 | 07:10 PM
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Looking great fellas!! I'm going to be making some plans for triangulated bars as soon as I finish up my suspension work. I'll add them in the thread that is in the archive. So if you guys are considering a triangulated bar, hang in there. I'll get the plans done within the next couple of months. The bars will be a bolt on design, so that you can remove them for SCCA events if necessary.

Jamie
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