FS: 3 point Strut braces front and rear, Fabbing my own brand of braces get em while they're hot! Options

[Darkchylde]

Hey Guys and Gals

My name is Art, I've been a member of the community for about three years. I am a steamfitter by trade and was thinking of fabbing my own strut tower braces I am certified to weld under nuclear conditions with an X-ray test to determine the efficacy of my welds, both of the stick and MIG processes.

I was wondering if there was any interest out there for me to fab these braces for more than myself. I 'm not entirely sure of the materials yet, the easiest to get a hold of and join would be steel. I realize that is probably heavier than most of you would want, I just thought of this today so I'll be checking out the possibility of aluminum as well. Anyway shoot me a reply here on this post or in a p.m., the cost for the braces I am trying to aim for is about 100-150 for a front brace (3-point) and about 50-75 for a rear (3 point as well). These prices are not completely set as I have not made one yet. I am also entertaining the idea of buying the plans to make the frame insert for awd setups but I am not sure about that one yet. Let me know if your interested and in what and I will get on crunching the numbers and the first prototypes. I will post pictures in the next week or so and list the final product materials, and for those do it your selfers, post an autocad print of the plans for a price as well. So hit me back and let's see if we can't make some good parts for ourselves.

First mock up picture, Made this to check fitment for the steel jig I made from the wooden one that I made with Stevenson, from his Jspeed one.
This one is 3/4 schedule 40 steel pipe It's fit into my trunk right now, to make sure the fitment is correct. I have a couple of tweaks to make. But the rears are going into production tomorrow 12/16/10.

Front brace mock up for jig, fitment is good just have a couple of clearances to check

had to make the front support just about from scratch,didn't turn out too bad if you ask me though.


This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 18, 2010 - 1:22 AM

[mkernz22]

I'd be interested in a rear one

[Culpable04]

just so everyone knows, I've seen his welding skills first hand and is superb,

Art, if you want we can meet up and you can take measurements and stuff out of both of my strut braces ( front and rear )

they are J-speed braces made out of alluminum, and they clear the top mount intercooler which will be a concern for most 3rd gen swappers.

[Darkchylde]

excellent idea Stevenson, I might need to remove the front one to get the clearance height correct off of a flat surface. If that wouldn't be to much trouble, and thanks for the good word.

[Darkchylde]

I was also just informed that the bottom mounting position between 94-96 and 97 and up are different so if anyone knows the measurements for a 97 send them my way. (that would be the bottom position on the rear 3 point.)

This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 11, 2010 - 12:31 AM

[Spider77]

If you can pull out a decent front three point, count me in if you throw in the NDI as part of the deals!

[azn87]

I'm down if its 150

[chacha]

3 point Strut for the hatchback REAR please! i will definitely buy

[TinoCel]

I would need all three plzz.

[chacha]

are you limited to just the strut or can you do other parts like roll cages...or sway bars...long stretch but i thought i ask.

[captb]

are you limited to just the strut or can you do other parts like roll cages...or sway bars...long stretch but i thought i ask.

i was thinking the same thing.

[Johnnyny]

harness bar!

[Darkchylde]

chacha, not sure about the roll cage, i would need to get quitea few specs. I' will check it out though. the Harness bar is def. a possibility like I said though this is a feeler I have tocheck on some material options. the rear strut brace is no problem, because it is small i can just use schedule 40 steel piping. Same for the harness bar. The front brace and roll cage components are all much larger, so I have to either order thinner wall piping or get another lighter material such as aluminum, The shop I work for does havean account with a piping and fab metal distributor, but the juice kinda has to be worth the squeeze you know what I mean. If I can get the metals at a decent price as well as the supplies for joining said alternate metals than no problem. I also would need some very detailed specs for the roll cage. Or pre made plans and or measurements from an exisisting set. Then there is the cost of shipping. trying to ship a full cage is probably going to pretty pricey, but shipping just the peices leaves a bit of work to be done for the purchaser. I'll do some research, and if those of you interested in cages try to find some info as well, that would be greatly appreciated. From the looks of it though I will be making at least the two strut braces and the harness bars at the moment. Steel will be the material at the moment but if I can get the aluminum and the wire for the weling at a decent price then they will be a composite. Steel brackets and aluminum bars.

On another note I wanted to know if you guys would rather see them Solid or Adjustable?

As far as the sway bar goes I beleive those are a sprung or twisted type of metal that have a load placed on them for tension of a sort. If I am wrong then someone please correct me. But for the mean time I'm going to have to give that one A big nno for safety sake. Sorry.

This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 8, 2010 - 12:36 PM

[jcbass7]

If its aluminum and anything like the Jspeed i am definitely interested

[kingof207]

harness bar!

please do a harness bar!!!

[cjh4l22]

harness bar!

please do a harness bar!!!

but also 3pt front and rear.

[azn87]

will be in need of a harness bar (planning on getting a reclinable bucket seat)

[Darkchylde]

Well guys here is the deal on the harness bars. If you need them I will need certain information from you. There are more peices to be made than just the one bar, you need one for the shoulder straps, one for the crotch belt and one for each of the hip belts. Sooo.... the cost has yet to be determined I will try to be very fair and I'll have some kind of draft and price within the week.

Back to a previous question I need to know if you all want any of theses braces to be of the adjustable type, so that I can have a better idea of the specific hardware needed for the build.



Adjustable: http://www.japperformanceparts.co.uk/pdeta...sp?ID=100866748


Solid: http://image.importtuner.com/f/10242775+w7...strut_tower.jpg

The adjustable option will only be entertained for the front brace only, and that is only if I get enough responses for it. All rear braces will be solid. Personally I prefer the solid look anyway.


Oh and do any of you have an interest in a camera mount on said harness bar?

This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 9, 2010 - 4:22 AM

[whatthe]

I rekon a solid option is much better.

And im definately keen on a camera mount but not on a harness bar. Maybe mounts through the passanger headrest and pokes out to the centre. Like whats his name did it 3-4 years ago.

[jcbass7]

solid 3pt front and rear, not adjustable. aluminum if possible.

[Darkchylde]

Well guys it looks as if this is actually going to move into the realm of production. Please be patient, I want to get the materials down, but it's looking promising on all material types so far. Thanks for your interest.

Mods: I will be changing the title and heading next week if all goes well with material pricing. Not sure of the rule on feelers and changing them to actual sale posts.

Thanks to all who were interested,

Art

This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 10, 2010 - 10:42 AM

[Darkchylde]

Going to Culp's place tomorrow for the measurements, then it should be away we go. Fingers crossed guys & gals. And to think this all started because I thi k 4 is to much to pay for some aluminum eh!

[Darkchylde]

Got back from Jersey a couple of hours ago temp jigs are made. Off to the shop monday morning to make the permanent ones. I have also decided to make the body supports for the front clip. I am also going to attempt the harness bar. But it may be a little more expensive as it's a four part piece. I might even make the subframe connector if there is enough interest. So chime in folks.

[Spider77]

Underbraces?

[MGCustoms325]

I am in for both front and rear solid 3 point braces. If you can make them out of aluminum that would be great. Post pics of the actual product when you get them. Thanks!

[Darkchylde]

I believe they are actually called fender braces Spida' http://www.rhdjapan.com/media/catalog/prod...rmal/Image1.jpg

http://www.rhdjapan.com/media/catalog/prod...rmal/Image2.jpg

I am note sure which is actually for our body style, but I am going to fab it from the picture and the bolt layout under my fender. I can't remember how to post pics been a long time, if the links don't work cut and paste they should take you to both items. Or just search fender braces on rhdjapan.com. Either way if your interested let me know.

[Spider77]

Ive always wondered if those things actually did anything.

[Darkchylde]

I am sure that they reduce flex by at least a small amount, any reduction equals greater stability and handling. I saw a couple of three point versions for the seventh gen. Not sore which to produce will decide by mid week.

Here is a link to the product:http://www.rhdjapan.com/j-speed-sujigane-front-fender-brace-st185-st205-celica-54152


As it stands now I'll be making the rear braces first I think to gain a little capital. Then I will be working on the front brace and harness bar. Still not completely sure what you guys are looking for. Are you looking for true functionality out of the harness bar or just looks? If you want it just for looks let me know, same for functionality, I want everyone to get what they want ou of this.

This post has been edited by Darkchylde: Dec 12, 2010 - 11:16 AM

[chacha]

functional...and please start with the REAR strut bar.

[Darkchylde]

No progress today, had alot to do with the family. Back to it tomorrow, sorry guys. I know you guys really want to see a prototype, it's coming I promise. Thanks for your patience.

[azn87]

I want functionality out of everything. Front strut and harness bar

[lilguy]

I would live a front one by post to Australia would be a bit I assume?

[mgnt232]

Id be interested in the front one, the megan one I have I dont really like

[4-eyed-freek]

Id be interested in the front one, the megan one I have I dont really like

i might be interested in buying it if you get a new one. just not right away.

[mgnt232]

Yeah when ever, its not even on my car now. You have to cut the inner hood which was fine with the stock hood, but my CF hood it just wont work

[4-eyed-freek]

hmmm i see. i will pm you sometime about it.

[Darkchylde]

Well, finished the mock up for the rear brace jig today. I have a a picture on the first page, keep in mind that this is only a very rough mock up to create the metal jig to replace the wooden one that I made. Tomorrow I will post a finished one. I will also be making the oem style brace for those that want them.

[bccentaur3]

Keep in mind that the mounting points changed between 94-95 to 97-99. IIRC thats what dustin(batman) said. Because he was making the RCR bars.

[Darkchylde]

I posed that question earlier. If anyone in the new york area has a 97+, There is a discount in it for you.

[block]

dude, that looks good! aluminum please i'm looking forward to the front bars

[chacha]

beautiful...make it thicker


Let me start the list:

1) chacha - 3pt REAR strut brace/fender side brace (if you make'em functional)
2)

This post has been edited by chacha: Dec 15, 2010 - 9:50 PM

[keison2000]

I WOULD BE INTERESTED... HOW LONG BEFORE YOU THINK YOU'LL GET STARTED ON THEM...

[keison2000]

beautiful...make it thicker


Let me start the list:

1) chacha - 3pt REAR strut brace/fender side brace (if you make'em functional)
2) keison2000 - strut brace front/rear

[Darkchylde]

Fabbed the mock up for the front 3 point today . Just got home though, had to make the tubing for the main support myself. turned out niiiice! Will post pics tomorrow. Also checked on aluminum prices, whooooeeeeee! Don't be skeered though, no problems only solutions . Pics............(passes out) .

[Darkchylde]

Pics are up on the first page, remember guys these are tough mock ups just to check fitment and to make the jigs.

Chacha, Thicker? pm me or post a reply as to specifics.

[mgnt232]

As long as the hood closes im in lol (mine wont close with mine )

[Darkchylde]

Alright guys and gals, nitty gritty time. I need a real list of what people want as far as the strut bars. Still have to make a mock up of the harness bar setups. But if I am going to make these out of aluminum, it is pricey for me to just buy the materials without any real assurance that they will be purchased. I would also ask that I get a deposit on the aluminum bars, $50 dollars by paypal will ensure that you get a strut bar made of aluminum, front or rear. I wish that it was different, but I just can't afford to lose that kind of money. I will be pm'ng all of the people who have already posted interest and asking them if they think this is feasible. The cost for the aluminum alone not including shipping is just about a thousand dollars. You've seen the mock ups both are a perfect fit and yes the hood closes. Together they stiffen the car up nicely, handling is much improved.

Chacha mentioned a thicker bar, all custom requests can be accommodated to some degree. the bar I fabbed for the rear is a universal fit for the sixth gen, just like the Jspeed that I used to make the jig. The front bar is also jigged off of the Jspeed as well. I can't find oval aluminum so i would be using rectangular stock either 1x2 or 1/2x1-1/2 . On a side note I will not be using cast aluminum for the actual strut tower connection it will be 6061 aluminum welded together in the same style.

The sooner that I get a list together the sooner final production can begin. And just to let you guys know I am serious about this, not only do I enjoy the work. In the beginning of this forum there is a sticky about third party escrow, I'll check it out right after this post. Sorry if I seem a little stiff but i would really like to get these made, I am actually looking forward to it. I just don't want to get shafted. So hit me up start a definitive list. I look forward to hearing from all that are interested.

[chacha]

Thick like this i guess

[block]

just me but i'd like to see actual pictures of everything close up before putting money down.

[Darkchylde]

Understandable block aluminum mock ups coming, just trying to keep everyone abreast of the situation. Trying to layout the fairest way to keep everyone happy and myself from laying out an exorbitant amount of money for nothing .

[whatthe]

Not sure if there is interest. But a harness bar would be fine i rekon... But it will be mainly mounting a camera on it so i can film in-car. That or a headrest camera mount which extends to the centre of the car.

[chacha]

update?

[Darkchylde]

Sorry about the long period between posts guys and gals. Holidays, son's birthday and such. Been looking into the aluminum, it's pretty expensive and finding the correct or to be more truthful, better looking shape. All I had been able to find is rectangular or round. Until recently I found a couple of aircraft suppliers who carry a tube called streamline strut. Trying to get the best price. I should have it nailed down by next week. In the meantime I am going to the shop to fab the first set of the harness bar kit.

If any of you are interested in any of these in the steel version pm me.

Chacha did you want that rear strut bar thicker or the front and please specify the material in a pm.

Thank you all for your patience over the holidays.

[Culpable04]

1. Culpable04 ( harness bar for me )

[MGCustoms325]

Any updates?

[Darkchylde]

Sorry guys, things have been a little hectic, got laid off somprogress is stalled for the moment on the aluminum. Doing some tattoo work over the next few days to get up some disposable income. The aluminum is not cheap, I want to use good material that is going to be visually appealling as well. I promise that these are actually going to get made. Just have to get all my ducks in a row. Again I apologize for the delay, stay interested. I'll post as soon as I have finished products for viewing.

[dluna17]

Very interested, I skimmed over the posts what's the price ranges for both front and rear three point?

[MGCustoms325]

Is this still going to happen?

[Dimas_trejo]

hello are you still making these? im interested im new to 6gc..

[Darkchylde]

apologies to all interested in the braces, I ended up getting hired to work an outage at Indian Point. Working 12 hour shifts 6 days a week. I am in the process of trying to find a reasonably priced TIG machine. To make these with a wire feed MIG gun I would have to buy a 1,000 dollar spool handle to work the aluminum. I found a reasonable source for the aluminum tubing. It has just been really hectic because the 12 hour shift I was on was the 6 pm to 6 am. I am now laid off once again though and looking forward to continuing with the braces. I will pm all who were interested originally when the first sets are made until then please be patient and excuse my rather rude behavior of not updating while all of this was going on.

[Lazurus]

interested in the front ones depending on price after shipping keep me updated please