Custom Made Strut Brace

Post by **340GLT** » 07 Jul 2005 12:59 pm

Hi guys well i have wanted a strut brace fopr a while now, and as i'm sure most of you know, the only way to buy them (over here at least) is to have them custom made. Which is what i did, except i made it myself. I managed to scrounge all of the material from college that i needed except for the tube, that only cost £11 so whos complaining? I knew pretty much what i wanted so i started to make it. And whats more my course tutor let me do it in college and use it as part of my coursework!!!

Anyway here are the pics of it off the car. I have ground back all the welds on the centre section, as i want it to look like one piece!! More pics to follow, after paint and re fitment!!
What you think guys?
Cheers Adam

Post by **redline** » 07 Jul 2005 01:22 pm

mummy says "get it off my bloody carpet " LOL . It looks great ,would you be able to make anymore and how much for ?

Post by **340GLT** » 07 Jul 2005 01:32 pm

Well prob is mick, its really awkward to do, for a start all the detailing on the strut tops was filed by hand which took hours!! Then the base plate was the same problem, all by hand! And the welding has to be done on the car, and i'm not 100% sure all the holes for the struts are the same on everyones car! The long weld has to be done on the car otherwise the bar warps!! Found that one out the hard way!!
Its a possibility i suppose but it would depend on the time taken to make it!
I'm sure a simple version could be an option!

Cheers Adam

Post by **bodejodel** » 07 Jul 2005 01:42 pm

Looks great!
How do you ehhh... tension it up?

Post by **340GLT** » 07 Jul 2005 02:00 pm

There is no adjustment on it. But if the strut tops are put on first, then the central brace is tight to put on, so it is sort of pre tensioned!
If that makes sense?

Cheers Adam

Post by **340GLT** » 07 Jul 2005 10:49 pm

Hi guys a bit more progress!! The strut tops are painted and ready to go on the car. The central brace is now totally smooth, after around 3hours work!!!

I will paint that tommorrow morning.
Anyway more pics!!!
Cheers Adam

Post by **bodejodel** » 07 Jul 2005 11:08 pm

Looks tasty!
Now that's a part I like in RED!!!

Post by **340GLT** » 07 Jul 2005 11:12 pm

Cheers mate!! I know you prefer 228!!! lol
Cheers Adam

Post by **340GLT** » 08 Jul 2005 09:36 pm

Well guys the strut brace is on the car!!! And i love it what you guys think? Now all i need is a little help from Mick!!

Cheers Adam

Post by **bodejodel** » 08 Jul 2005 10:02 pm

Looks sweet!
Now paint that engine RED!

Post by **340GLT** » 08 Jul 2005 10:38 pm

But its not a Red Block

Plan was to paint the block red, rocker cover body colour, with a Red oil filler cap i have. Maybe see if i can squeeze an ally to match the rest under the bonnet? Dont think it will fit tho?

I have finished college for the summer now so i will tidy up the engine bay soon!!

Cheers Adam

Post by **volvorsport** » 09 Jul 2005 12:56 am

looks good , if a little heavy .

pray tell what 1.4 engine puts out enough power to warrant one ?

ive got two 2.3 engines , if youre interested !!!!!!!

Post by **340GLT** » 09 Jul 2005 01:02 am

Would love one but no insurance company would touch me!!! Being 17 and all!! lol
Cheers Adam

Post by **V6 Man** » 09 Jul 2005 05:09 pm

Now just get a Chrome 'VOLVO' badge from a Volvo truck and stick it in the middle.

Post by **340GLT** » 09 Jul 2005 05:33 pm

well i am putting a badge on it, but not that one!!! That was my first idea but now i have a better one!!!

Cheers Adam