hi guys,
i'm needing to know if the bolts that are attached to the strut mounts are pressed in? if so, does anyone know the size?

my issue is that i've got an old racing beat strut bar (white flat one) that uses a base that attaches to the top of the tower. the base is fairly thick and once put over the strut mount bolts, only 1 or 2 threads show which to me is not enough to hold the base down appropriately. the only solutions i can think of is to replace the existing bolts on the strut mount w/ longer ones or finding some highly specialized nut that could go inside the base initially with a lip on the top that would then hold the top of the base down.

thanks all.

 

IIRC, The RB strut bar originally was sold to mount using threaded standoffs that bolt to the top of the strut-top studs. Sounds like you're missing the stand-offs.

The stock studs are part of the strut bearing plate. I believe they are welded in place, not pressed, but I've never tried to remove them.

 

hey divin,
what you called the "standoffs" i believe is what i call the "base". this piece, like u mention, bolt to the strut tower via the strut-top studs. my issues is that the "standoff" is thick and only allows 1 or 2 threads of the studs to show.

here's a pic of the base:

 

the strut top bolts are just pressed in, they are actually like mini wheel studs.

however the RB part should be able to use the stock ones, so maybe something isn't lined up right?

 

exactly...they will pop right out with the help of a light hammer or mallot.

 

Sounds like a good excuse to get some camber plates to me

I have the same strut bar. I had it mounted on my car without any problems with the stock strut mounts. I have since installed camber plates, and just need to install my strut bar. The strut bar "seats" are side specific, make sure you have them on the right side. Maybe the car's PO cut the strut bolts for some odd reason

 

strut mounts are brand new mazda parts and have not been modified. the bolts just aren't long enough to clear the "seats". the "seat" currently does not sit flush due to the lip on the tower but even if i file that down, it still is not enough to insert the bolt through it. will need to find the right size bolt and have them pressed in if i want to run this strut bar.

 

something is wrong, they actually should sit flush

 

hmmm, ok, was the strut bar made for only a few fb models/years? i thought all SA/FB's used the same strut mount/strut tower design. i've got an 85 gsl-se.

like i said though, even if the seat sat flush, there is not enough of the bolt sticking out to properly secure the seat down.

only option would be to install longer studs.

 

Maybe someone used too many "adjusting plates" between the strut top and body. From 84 FSM...

 

I've seen FB's that have strengthening bosses stamped into the top of the strut tower; SA tower tops are smooth. So definitely not all are exactly the same.

 

All 84/85 cars have the reinforcement ribs on the strut towers, and some very late production 83's do as well. He has a S3 so he would have those ribs. I find it hard to believe that RB didn't build their strut tower brace with that in mind though...

 

my 85 does have the ribs. i don't think that's what's not allowing it to sit flat, it's the flange/lip on the tower. the casting on the base does have that flange and the ribs accounted for but the middle seems like it needs to be enlarged a bit to further clear the flange.

 

press out the current bolts. install longer bolts and tack them to the upper strut mounting plate. I did that years ago on my race car and never had any problems.

Carl

 

Me too.

 

I could be wrong, but in the second picture, isn't the strutbar base installed upside down? If it is, that could be your problem.

 

Never mind, after looking at the picture some more, I see that the base is just sitting on top of the strut tower and that it's not bolted down.

How thick is the base?

 

the base is 1/2" thick and the strut bolt is 5/8" high but threads don't start til about the 1/2" mark.

 

Anyone know the thread pitch off hand? Trying to order some of these .... since i also powered one off :\

 

actually, a lead to the part would be preferred. I can't find the right one

 

I am selling a pair of new strut mounts that have longer grade 8 bolts threaded in. $40 shipped. These would work well for your solution and are stronger than factory pressed in studs. LMK

 

just need the studs. i think the gslse or 84/85 cars had different top mounts

 

Good luck! I pursued that avenue and found it easier and better to just use bolts or cap screws.