Fabricating Front Strut Bar Options

[Qucifer]

Everyone,
I will be fabricating a front strut bar for my Celica GT coupe, and am looking to see if there is any interest in them here. If so, I will make a JIG, and pump some out. Here are couple of pictures of a production run we made for the Nissan S-13 240sx. These are specifically designed for 240's with a top mount turbo setup, tall intake manifolds, or an RB engine swap. They are made with 1" steel tubing with a .095 wall thickness, and are powder coated with a wrinkle black finish. The celica bar will be made with the same type of materials, but it will have a design similar to the TRD strut bar. Let me know if there is any interest.

Q

[torhne]

i would probably take one off your hands if they come out decent. how much are you thinking they will cost us?

[Qucifer]

We charged $150 plus shipping for the 240sx bars, and sold out of our first batch of 10 in 2 weeks. I am working on another batch of 15. On those each bar requires 4 bends which equals more time per peice. Its looking like the celica bar might have a total of 2 bends, so maybe $120 plus shipping. In the end it depends on the fab time per peice, could be more, could be less.

This post has been edited by Qucifer: Sep 30, 2007 - 11:26 AM

[purepunishment]

like to see one installed

[Qucifer]

When I get the prototype done, I will take pictures of it installed.

[94st_santos]

I would probably take one from you, these are going to be 3-pt strut bars right?

[Qucifer]

Yes they are going to be 3 point, and way stronger than the flimsy stock GT bar. I took the stock one off today to take some measurments, and it literally flops around. I am fabricating mine to tie into the stock location on the firewall, and it will have a full ring on each tower, and a bar welded straight across tying the two towers directly together. A big improvement over stock.

[j0e_p3t]

interested.

[Qucifer]

Thanks for the replies. I am actively working a prototype right now. I will try and post pics of the progess. Nothing wrong with showing you guys what goes into making one of these things. If anyone else is interested, please respond.

[xs94st]

sounds great, can't wait to see it

[Qucifer]

Like I said, I am keeping a photo log of the prototyping process. Here are a couple of pics. The first is the strut ring. It is oblong for maximum surface area to weld the cross bar to. I designed it today on my cnc plasma cutter. It is the same for both sides. Next is a couple of pics with the tube mitered to the proper angle. It is hard to tell, but there is a very steep angle cut on both side of the tube. The tube will be welded where it sits , and I will weld caps to the open ends of the tube. I will design the firewall bracket, and tubes this week.









And Yes that is duct tape on my air box tube.

[94st_santos]

yea 3-pt with the bar across is definitley what i had in mind, im interested...

[brthrurik]

definitely interested...

[jcbass7]

are you going to fab these so they clear a 3sgte motor as well? if so that would open up the market a bit more

[Qucifer]

jcbass7, I would need to have contact with someone who has a 3sgte swapped Celica to build one off of. Im located in Oklahoma City, so if there is a 3sgte celica owner near by, hit me up.

On another note, when the prototype is finished and I have the jig made, I will need non-biased test person to take the first production piece and do a write up on the level of difficulty to install, the overall look of the peice, and the degree of functionality. This will help iron out any bugs before I make a full production run. I will offer more details when the peice nears completion.

[Qucifer]

Just throwig this out there. Would anyone who is budget minded be interested in just the 2 point cross bar? I would be willing to let them go for $50 unpainted plus shipping.

Here is why I ask. Since I have been desgining the 3 point bar over the past couple of days, I have been driving around without any bar on the car. I welded the straight bar to the mounts today, and decided to take the car for a quick run around the block. Funny to say that one bar makes a huge difference in stiffness and steering response, so I know that its functional. I will still be making the 3 point bar, but the option for both is out there.

Thanks
Q

[xs94st]

id be interested. want to see how it looks though. the bars that ive seen in 350z's that have two parallel bars that are welded together and havea huge base are what i would like.

[zero07]

Also interested

[cjh4l22]

interested in either/or. 3pt, single bar, or would it be possible to do a double bar type design? w/e interested all the same.

[Qucifer]

A twin cross bar design might be possible. I will check the fitup today, and let you all know. Also, I am building my bars off of the GT, and I do now know if it will fit the ST. Can somebody let me know.

[96bluevert]

might be interested in a 2pt...anyone know if one of these 2pts would make a significant difference over the stock GT's 3pt?

This post has been edited by 96bluevert: Oct 2, 2007 - 8:32 AM

[playr158]

difference over the stock GT bar depending on his design should be pretty big, as the GT stock bar is a cooked noodle in terms of functioning stiffness.

his bar is thickness/size should be much much stiffer.

ST and GT are the same

[Qucifer]

Thanks for clearing that up playr158.
96bluevert, the single bar, as simple as it is, is much stiffer than the stock bar. There is a noticeable difference in steering response, and cornering at hight speed. Thats why I am willing to offer the single bar setup to those who want it. The only drawback to those is i am not going to powder coat them. I will sell them in raw form. The 3 point design when finished will come powdercoated.

[Qucifer]

Just a quick update. I tested the twin crossbar design today, and its not going to happen. Its already a tight fit, and the second bar makes contact with a bracket on the intake manifold. Keep in mind that this is on the GT model, I have no clue if a twin crossbar design would work on the ST. So for now that means there will only be 2 choices; the budget single, and the premium triple. More to come.

Q

[thespacepanda]

I would be highly interested in just the 2pt for my ST. Paint's not an issue, I'll use some high temp green or something. Keep us updated on the progress and keep up the good work!

[HaRv3sTeR]

im in definately for the 3pt

will the strut-strut crossing section be level flat or not? (strut______strut or strut/----------\strut)

im asking this because i want it to fit with my future 3rd gen 3sgte/water to air intercooler...and im not sure if a flat designed bar fits

This post has been edited by HaRv3sTeR: Nov 19, 2007 - 9:44 PM

[Qucifer]

Harvester, I am not positive, but I do not think this is going to work with a top mount intercooler. It is a pretty tight fit in their, and unless the 3sgte sits substantially lower than the 5sfe, I wouldnt count on it fitting.

[Shocker]

Would you make a 3 point not powder coated for cheaper cost if so i would be intrested?

Also you should look into making a rear strut bar.

This post has been edited by Shocker: Nov 20, 2007 - 4:26 PM

[FreddyTheOthaMea...]

id be interested in a 3 point

[bccentaur3]

Would you make a 3 point not powder coated for cheaper cost if so i would be intrested?

Also you should look into making a rear strut bar.

X2 for the rear strut bar, and only if its cheaper than the oem gtfour one.

[Qucifer]

How much is the OEM GTFour Bar?

[HaRv3sTeR]

61.40$US from LINK

part #: 53605-20020

[xs94st]

bump? wanted one..

[presure2]

Would you make a 3 point not powder coated for cheaper cost if so i would be intrested?

Also you should look into making a rear strut bar.

X2 for the rear strut bar, and only if its cheaper than the oem gtfour one.

dude, you have GOT to be kidding, right?
the OEM gt-4 bar is like 60$
how much cheaper do you want it?

[Daftboy]

I would still like a 3 point front one ... =/

[njccmd2002]

Would you make a 3 point not powder coated for cheaper cost if so i would be intrested?

Also you should look into making a rear strut bar.

X2 for the rear strut bar, and only if its cheaper than the oem gtfour one.

dude, you have GOT to be kidding, right?
the OEM gt-4 bar is like 60$
how much cheaper do you want it?

but this is for the rear right. anybody know the part number of the front?

[DEATH]

How much would you sell just the strut tower rings for? I may need a bunch of them if what's in my head works out.
Panda - You thinking what I'm thinking?

[Insanity-74]

Call me fussy if you like, but shouldnt the mounting point of the cross member on the strut brace be in line with the centre of the shock??? or it will subject the top of the shock to a twisting motion when under stress/load????

Would be interested if you did a three point rear strut brace.

[thespacepanda]

How much would you sell just the strut tower rings for? I may need a bunch of them if what's in my head works out.
Panda - You thinking what I'm thinking?

Roger that.

[Qucifer]

Alright guys, sorry i haven't been around, but I have been busy pumping out metal artwork and other non-celica related stuff. Just not enough time in the day to do everything. Just to let you all know, I am 75% done with my 3pt jig. I can currently turn out single bars, but I think most of you are interested in the 3pt. Ive got some extra time this weekend, so I will finish the jig, and get to pumping the 3pt'rs out.

[purplegt4]

cool i'm interested in 3-pt front. no hurry.

anyway to make 3-pt similar to cusco front? with the top bar being flat? maybe better fitment with tmic
http://www.6gc.net/parts/29

[Qucifer]

cool i'm interested in 3-pt front. no hurry.

anyway to make 3-pt similar to cusco front? with the top bar being flat? maybe better fitment with tmic
http://www.6gc.net/parts/29

Initially, I am going to do a run of 10 using my current design. Once I get those done a powder coated, I will be able to experiment a little more, and if I can get a hold of someone in my area with a 3s swap, I can work on a setup for the swapped celicas.

This post has been edited by Qucifer: Feb 14, 2008 - 7:00 AM

[DEATH]

How much would you sell just the strut tower rings for? I may need a bunch of them if what's in my head works out.
Panda - You thinking what I'm thinking?

Roger that.

Can you sell us 10+ of these or no?

[Qucifer]

I am currently not offering duplicate parts on stuff that I manufacture. Kind of underminds my desire to profit from my business. If you want a different type of ring other than the exact one that I use, then it is a possibility. Email me a pic of your design, and I will give you an idea if its a go or no go. If it is just a ring with 3 holes, thats fine, my strut bar ring uses special bent ears for welding the cross tubes.

[zoik]

if someone wants i have a front strut bar from a crashed gt that ive bougth for spare peices, its just sligthly bent but i still can take measures of it.
if someone wants them...

[Qucifer]

Here is the progress on the jig so far. Here you can see it with the prototype mounted. Its about 90% done, just needs 2 more bar supports, and clamps.

[6GenCelicaST]

That will be well worth the money.

[DEATH]

edit - thread hijaker.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Feb 17, 2008 - 8:37 PM

[Qucifer]

I am currently not offering duplicate parts on stuff that I manufacture. Kind of underminds my desire to profit from my business. If you want a different type of ring other than the exact one that I use, then it is a possibility. Email me a pic of your design, and I will give you an idea if its a go or no go. If it is just a ring with 3 holes, thats fine, my strut bar ring uses special bent ears for welding the cross tubes.

No - we have no intention on getting into your business by buying the rings from you. The idea we have would not be sellable to just anyone - we want to custom make them to each car for an exact fit. Further we want to take the currently available designs a step further. These would only be available to those of us in Houston or surrounding areas.
If you don't want to sell them to us that's OK too. Just let us know a price for 10 blank rings if you want.

PM'd you

[DEATH]

That will be well worth the money.

x2

[FunkySR]

i'm in for a 2 bar.....

[bccentaur3]

Hey I want the 2 point. How much shipped to 55432?

This one.

[Qucifer]

Hey I want the 2 point. How much shipped to 55432?

This one.

Let me do an initial test run before I get you a price on that. I want to pop out 2 3ptr's and 2 2ptr's, so I can get a bulk price on powder coating. I initially was going to offer them in raw metal, but I would rather just get them powder coated so that they are ready to show and go. I am going to finish the jig today, so more to come soon.

[Batman722]

Here is the progress on the jig so far. Here you can see it with the prototype mounted. Its about 90% done, just needs 2 more bar supports, and clamps.

[bccentaur3]

Forget the powder coating. How much in raw metal?

[Qucifer]

PM'd

[punkuup5150]

put me down for one once we find out prices a long as it fits a 7afe ill be a happy camper

[Daftboy]

Also would like a 3 point..raw metal is fine. let me know =]

[goferris]

pics installed?

[bccentaur3]

PMed.

[Qucifer]

Alright guys, I am going to offer them powder coated only. I originally considered raw metal, but the cost savings to you guys is minimal. I am not going to markup powder coat costs, so its really just saving you guys the headache of going and getting it done yourself, or buying a rattle can. Once they are done, I will get them bulk coated which should save costs. Realize, we had the 240sx bars coated for under 10 bucks each. Trust me, its worth it to you guys to get them powder coated, its way more durable than paint, and looks awesome. I am thinking of either black, gunmetal, or just high gloss red. Chime in on what you guys think is the best color.

[Qucifer]

Okay, the jig is complete. Here are a couple of pics. Will have test bars done up soon, and once those clear, I will press on with production.

[punkuup5150]

gunmetal for me

on a side note what would be stronger to cut the tubeing at an angle then weld it to the rings or how you have it to the tabs? im not a welder nor do i no metal i was just thinking about if its under enough stress could the tabs move or warp and if u cut the tubeing and weld it directly to the ring it would be stronger if my logic is right. but then i could totally be wrong so i figured id ask

This post has been edited by punkuup5150: Feb 18, 2008 - 6:06 PM

[Qucifer]

gunmetal for me

on a side note what would be stronger to cut the tubeing at an angle then weld it to the rings or how you have it to the tabs? im not a welder nor do i no metal i was just thinking about if its under enough stress could the tabs move or warp and if u cut the tubeing and weld it directly to the ring it would be stronger if my logic is right. but then i could totally be wrong so i figured id ask

The bar in the photo is a prototype. The production bars will have gussets on all the tabs for strength. Trust me, it will be a really big improvement over the stock GT bar. I ran a single cross bar protoype on my car before I decided to go with a 3 point, and the single bar unit made a huge difference alone. This one should be substantial.

[punkuup5150]

see thats why i asked and i dont even have a clue what a gusset is lol so im sure it will be great thx

[FunkySR]

actually put me down for a 3 point.

Thanks.

[bccentaur3]

I still want the 2 pt. BTW you should just stick with black as the color.

[azn87]

im down for a 3 pt (gunmetal) if it not over $130

[CrimsonSTX]

I'd be interested in the 3-point (Glossy Red). Any time-frame on when these will be ready for sale?

[94TRDcelica]

Got a neon stut bar soon to be ready to instal, but am having reservations - What do you reckon the cost would be to ship to the UK? When will production begin?

BTW - Gunmetal is a definate for me!

[bccentaur3]

Havent heard from you in a while. When are you ready to ship these bad boys out. Oh, what about our agreement?

[nik]

im down for one but i need a few dimensions from you

This post has been edited by nik: Mar 6, 2008 - 3:18 PM

[_mikeE]

I'd be interested in one of these but I want to see how much it'll cost and with shipping to Ontario, Canada.
Also to be painted in gunmetal grey (like the TRD 3pt strut)

[purplegt4]

I like the bar!

i can't to see a finished product.

[azn87]

when will they will be done. getting antzy. love to turn hard around the streets

[Qucifer]

Alright, sorry i havent posted in a while. I am balancing these strut bars along with about 5 other projects. I am ironing out some details on the final design for the 3pt bars. I dont want to come out with a revision every couple weeks, so its imperitive that I finalize a design that will not only be tough, but look good. I think I have settled on $130 plus shipping, but I want them to look like the cost $200. I can only ask that you guys be patient, as it could be a few weeks before I get the first run done.

[94TRDcelica]

I can't wait for these to go into production - Thanks for keeping us posted Q!!!!! Looking forward to the finished article!

[HaRv3sTeR]

any news about these...im very interested

[Spider77]

Sounds nice, cant wait to see finished product.

[BonzaiCelica]

Like I said, I am keeping a photo log of the prototyping process. Here are a couple of pics. The first is the strut ring. It is oblong for maximum surface area to weld the cross bar to. I designed it today on my cnc plasma cutter. It is the same for both sides. Next is a couple of pics with the tube mitered to the proper angle. It is hard to tell, but there is a very steep angle cut on both side of the tube. The tube will be welded where it sits , and I will weld caps to the open ends of the tube. I will design the firewall bracket, and tubes this week.









And Yes that is duct tape on my air box tube.

Will these fit the at200 celica st engine? if so i am interested definetly!!

[_mikeE]

I don't see why they wouldn't fit....i'm most likely sure they would.

[bseaman_5]

any new news on this????

[ra65_22re]

what happened to this?

[bccentaur3]

I was wondering the same thing. I was suppose to get one of these and do a product review with a write up.

[HaRv3sTeR]

i personally gave up on this and bought a no name ebay brand bar

[DEATH]

Alright, sorry i havent posted in a while. I am balancing these strut bars along with about 5 other projects. I am ironing out some details on the final design for the 3pt bars. I dont want to come out with a revision every couple weeks, so its imperitive that I finalize a design that will not only be tough, but look good. I think I have settled on $130 plus shipping, but I want them to look like the cost $200. I can only ask that you guys be patient, as it could be a few weeks before I get the first run done.

So did you ever decide whether or not you were gonna make these to fit the swapped cars as well as the regular USDM motors? Recall that I have experience with this and offered to help.
And to answer some people's questions - from the looks of the design it will def fit both 5S-FE ST-204's and also 7A-FE AT200's - just not 3S cars

This post has been edited by DEATH: May 29, 2008 - 11:03 AM