TeamCapri

General => Photographs => Topic started by: Rocketman on May 17, 2012, 09:02:00 PM

Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Rocketman on May 17, 2012, 09:02:00 PM
I've wanted to do these for a really long time now, but they've proven a challenge. Very hard to cast to net shape, so I really didn't bother. Now that I've got the mill I can use it to my advantage :evil:

I had one of these strut bars back in the day. I was not really pleased with the design
 (http://i.imgur.com/REBVG.jpg)

I purchased one of Corksport's last strut bars for the 323 GTX when they discontinued their BF chassis stuff. Super stiff bar, with really rigid and well designed mounts. Visible in this pic:
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-03-31_22-55-25_426.jpg)

However even this was not perfect... the GTX does not use a 4-bolt strut mount, so I had to drill it out to use it on the Capri. No room for the nut on the stud there. Plus, I wanted some of my own design!

So I made this pattern this morning, based off the CS style mounts, with some of my own twist in the design. Pattern is made from MDF, pine & bondo lol
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-17_17-45-39_804.jpg)

(continued below)
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Rocketman on May 17, 2012, 09:02:00 PM
Which I cast two of this evening. No casting pics as I was busy molding
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-17_21-21-53_950.jpg)

Corksport vs. casting. Casting is solid
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-17_22-57-21_648.jpg)

Machining the slot:
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-17_23-35-39_894.jpg)

Skip a couple steps, sprinkle of magic, and tada - new strut bar mounts. Added bonus, I open my hood and there's some of my work right there in your face  (http://smile.gif)  Excuse the filthy engine bay, I have not brought the GTXR2 out since winter, she needs a good cleaning. Ill try to get better pics tomorrow

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_02-38-12_797.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_02-38-33_602.jpg)

So now I've got a super extra tough strut bar. I might machine another set of castings to use a single heim joint at the top to make things a bit easier
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: tonlaw71 on May 17, 2012, 09:27:00 PM
Good LAWD, Man!! But that is SWEEEEET!! Great job, Matt. Can't wait to have a Shayka original strut bar on my car....
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Rocketman on May 18, 2012, 05:10:00 AM
Thanks Tony! I'll see what I can do about making them available soon!

Couple more pics now with daylight

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_11-47-46_880.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_11-47-58_958.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_11-48-05_607.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_11-48-18_847.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/LtJerryRigg/2012-05-18_11-48-30_176.jpg)
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Gostlrs on May 25, 2012, 04:57:00 PM
Awesome work.


Only thing I would suggest is to countersink the bolt holes to get more bite on the threads. General rule of thumb is that you should see at least 2-3 threads with the nut tightened.
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Rocketman on May 25, 2012, 05:24:00 PM
Yeah I have to throw them back on the milling machine and take a little more off there
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: mcanchola2 on June 01, 2012, 07:42:00 AM
Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuu nice...interested ....by the easy couldn't help but notice...what's that blue container...oil catch can?
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Gostlrs on January 09, 2013, 05:18:00 PM
Yes a catch can....


Matt you got these for sale yet?

Did you rework the bolt holes...?
Title: Custom Strut Bar Mounts
Post by: Rocketman on February 21, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
Not for sale yet... trying to find the time for projects like these