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Old 06-20-2010, 05:43 PM   #1
blndweasel
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Default Custom Strut Bar Project

Hey all,

Some of you may have read my other post M44 Replacement / Strut Tower Reinforcement. I had cracked my stock strut towers while running L/R swapped M3 struts and strut guide plates.

The last step in this project was to finish cross-bracing the new beefy strut towers with a bar.

Once again, I worked with Scott a couple of afternoons and finished this project in a few weeks time (lots of other stuff going on!). He did the fabrication, I just held things and watched.



I didn't have my camera with me during the fabrication, I just took some shots after I finished painting yesterday.



Mounting location. Two tabs cut from 3/16" steel.



The bar was cut from stock and MIG welded using a few simple make-shift forms to keep the piece straight and the angles correct.

(Scott, if you would like to add more info about the design, let me know and I will paste it here)

A few markings were made in the engine bay on blue painter's tape, one to indicate centerline of the vehicle, and a few more to indicate the centerline of the bar where it attaches at the towers.

The height was checked as well by closing the hood on a locked-out measuring tape nestled into a nook next to the fuse box / driver's shock tower area.

Afterwards, it needed painting, so I cleaned it up a bit with sandpaper, primered it with Krylon rust-tough spray can, and finished it with an air brush.

I had a lot of hobby paint lying around (why yes, I hobby) and used some Testors Model Master Metalizer -- Magnesium. Transitions to Burnt Metal, then transitions again to "Burnt Iron" at the ends. The metalizer paints can be polished, and I did this briefly with some flannel to fair results.

I finished it off with a little german flair, inspired surely by the World Cup.

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Last edited by blndweasel; 06-20-2010 at 06:02 PM.
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Old 06-20-2010, 05:47 PM   #2
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I'm pretty happy with the look. It needs a clear coat to seal in the metalizer. Probably touch it up and do that today.

The handling difference is amazing, even after the strut tower reinforcements, I could tell a difference. Better stability up front, rock solid cornering. Amazing feel.

Material costs were around $60 plus $15 for paint (model paint ain't cheap)

tbw
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Old 06-20-2010, 07:05 PM   #3
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That looks great! What a difference the paint makes.

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Old 06-20-2010, 07:15 PM   #4
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Dude that is SICK!!!!! it looks really good and really beefy, makes me wanna go cut my strut towers up and start welding
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1996 318ti base: m44, 5 spd, lsd - 18x8 bremmer kraft wheels w/sumitumo tires 225/40R18 & bmw locking lug studs, 10mm spacers in rear, halo headlights, cold air intake, koni str.t struts and shocks w/mounts, h&r sport springs, serp belts, control arm & tie rod kits, front sway bar links, JVC kd-x50bt headunit w/ipod hook up in the glove box, alpine sps-500(front and rear), jl audio 10" powerwedge max, jl audio 250.1 amp, motor mounts, fuel filter, passenger side window motor, drivers lower window run, muffler hanger kit, various interior bulbs, left door striker/ajar switch, lower hood latches, changed from gray vinal to black leather shift and parking brake boots, m3 weighted shift knob, ngk-r spark plugs, magnecor spark plug wires(blue),new cabin micro-filters,new headliner & a-pillar mouldings, 5w20 synth-blend oil and filter, BG Ultra Guard syn. rear end fluid & ls additive, BG Syncro Shift II syn. manual trans fluids, stainless steel braided brake lines and dot 4 fluid, extra brake light mod, new p/s reservoir and rubber hoses

need to do - fix door panels, paint job, MORE MONEY!!
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Old 06-20-2010, 09:45 PM   #5
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Great job
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Old 06-20-2010, 11:03 PM   #6
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that came out sweet, very nice looking
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Old 06-21-2010, 02:17 AM   #7
Jean H.318TI
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sick sick sick
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Old 06-21-2010, 02:40 AM   #8
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So envious of the welding prowess. And the fabrication.
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Old 07-29-2010, 03:17 PM   #9
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Looks great! It looks alot like the Racing Dynamics one Turner offers and it cost you 4x less.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html..._ID=1969936014

I've seen a lot of bars on sites (bavauto, understeer, etc.) that look like they are straight and aren't angled like the one you have fabricated, on the Ti is that for clearance of the manifold on top?
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Old 08-11-2010, 03:11 AM   #10
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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE !! i want one and ill pay for your costs ever since i bagged the front of my car i need a beefy strut brace and reinforced one EXACTLY like this .



pm me if you can help me get one of these . i can weld it on i just need it just a metal finish and i will paint it up and weld it in place .

Thanks Dustin !!
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Old 08-11-2010, 08:16 AM   #11
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noticed any difference in handling?
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Float like a cadilac, sting like a BIMMER

.... my socket is just too thick and won't fit in the hole! damnit!


Marv's 332ti is in the werks. Stay tuned ya'll ...

Check list: S52 swap, manual transmission swap, 3.25 LSD with M Coupe diff cover, SuperSprint muffler, M3 style mirrors, AFE intake, ASC delete, M50 Manifold swap, UUC strut bar, ZHP lighted knob, Vaders, M-tech interior, OEM armrest, AC Schintzer front lip, AC Schnitzer rear spoiler, Roof spoiler, 18'' rims, M3 front drilled brakes, LED interior lights, 3 spoke Euro style steering wheel, OEM roof spoiler and bike holder, Thule fairing, Euro tail lights, oil pressure guage, carbon fiber hood painted to original paint (still showing CF weaving), what's next to do...?
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:24 PM   #12
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Will Definitly BUYY PLEASE SEND PM WITH PRICE??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 08-19-2010, 04:15 AM   #13
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2 buyers right here . all i need is just the bar with the bends and tabs ill weld mine in . and you dont have to clean it uop
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Old 08-19-2010, 05:10 AM   #14
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I'd be interested in one (if you're planning a small production run, that is).
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Old 08-20-2010, 03:25 AM   #15
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yes i need them but im looking to buy soon !
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