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Custom Rear Strut Tower Brace


tornado_735

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Well, in my ongoing quest to improve my Grand Prix, one of the things I had been on the hunt for was a RSTB. The brackets that do happen to be floating around were custom made by AWeb, and are no longer being made.

 

Seeing as how I didn't have any idea how to make brackets like his, I decided to improvise. I had metal straps of steel lying around my garage from when I jury rigged a seat into my Land Rover. I got to thinking about if it would be possible to make mounts for an STB out of those leftover brackets. I had to enlarge the holes in one end of the brackets to fit over the strut bolts, and crossed the brackets over each other so the holes at the other end aligned. I used a metal brace from an old dresser, and bolted that to the ends of my bracket mounts.

 

Now, I know my design is probably weaker than the AWeb RSTB, but where Adam isn't making the brackets anymore, an afternoon, $15-$20 bucks, and a trip to home depot will net you all that you need to make your own.

 

I know the weakest points are going to be my mounts, but it just couldn't be avoided with what little (material wise) I was working with.

 

I am going to post pictures, but I am also going to leave this thread open to questions/suggestions for improving my setup.

 

~Aaron

Edited by tornado_735
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Well, it has made more of a difference than I thought it would. Got stuck behind a slow-ass semi on an interchange between two freeways. The interchange is curvy, has a few rises and dips, so I thought it would be a good place to really test out how the car feels now.

 

The change is actually pretty drastic. It seems as though the car does more moving with less steering input. I wouldn't call it twitchy, but it definitely goes where I tell it to, even more than before. Anyway, I got around the semi, and merged over back into the left lane, and I could tell right away that I need better tires. They weren't squealing or rolling over on themselves, but they were making the handling somewhat unpredictable. I didn't feel out of control persay, but I do feel like I could have had more control.

 

Another major change I noticed is during sharp maneuvering at much slower speeds...it's difficult to explain...it's as though the car planted hard out the front outside tire, and like there was a lot of weight that came off of the rear wheel on the inside of the turn. I was doubting myself, thinking I was just imagining it, but I really can't recall feeling that same type of movement before.

 

All in all, I would call it a major success, and it gives me a good basis as for where to start with future upgrades.

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Kinda felt before like you would turn, and the rear end would follow, and now you turn, and the whole car turns at the same time.

 

It made a massive difference for me too. Want another drastic difference mod like that? Poly control arm bushings.

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Kinda felt before like you would turn, and the rear end would follow, and now you turn, and the whole car turns at the same time.

 

It made a massive difference for me too. Want another drastic difference mod like that? Poly control arm bushings.

 

That's a perfect explanation of how it feels now.

 

And as for the poly bushings, you read my mind. :gr_grin:

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That's a perfect explanation of how it feels now.

 

And as for the poly bushings, you read my mind. :gr_grin:

 

Let me know when you're ready to get started. Keep in mind on top of the bushings, you'll need to set aside like $60 to have the two of the old bushings pressed out and the new bushings pressed in by a shop, unless you have access to a press.

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I got aweb brackets and bar. bought it years ago and haven't put it on yet.

 

just got my fstb on and the rstb next on the list. I got my one test road with the rises and dips. its actually a sky bridge over I-5 and I can do 60 right there white knuckle it and really feel the road.

 

I know what you mean by it placing more stress on the tires. now that I am shopping for tires for my 18x8 rims I will prob go with some 35 series low profile and put stiffer springs on the car.

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Before, I wasn't really thinking about coilovers. Now, I am.

 

Haha, I'd put that rear bar on ASAP. The car becomes a whole other animal with it on. :thumbsup:

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Before, I wasn't really thinking about coilovers. Now, I am.

 

Haha, I'd put that rear bar on ASAP. The car becomes a whole other animal with it on. :thumbsup:

 

Welcome to the suspension modding disease. You won't stop till you've exhausted all options.

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Welcome to the suspension modding disease. You won't stop till you've exhausted all options.

 

Even then you will try coming up with new options! It really is a sickness...

 

Jamie

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hmm i now have and idea how to make a vert bar this could be interesting

 

Feel free to ask questions Jake! I have never seen the trunk of a Vert with the top down. If you can snap some pictures to show me, maybe I can help plan it out.

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well you see if i can make a bar similar to the bonnie gxp bar and use your flat mount the top should mabey sit if even only .5 in higher and lets all face it the boot doesnt fit anyways LOL

 

 

edit: and there is no way to get a pic back there with the top down without removing the back seat LOL

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