Prototyping a Strut Tie Bar

admin

I started a new strut tie bar project for the 6th generation Toyota Celica GT. 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 the Plasma Cam, and 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 firewall triangulating bars this week.And Yes that is duct tape on my air box tube.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:That'll work well to stiffen things up, but it makes it harder to work on.Better change that intake hose firstDon't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:It should come off pretty quick. There are 3 bolts on each strut tower, and 2 on the firewall that will be holding it on. All 8 bolts are really easy to get to, and use a 14mm socket. I will probably fab up a steel intake tube with a cone filter to replace the old plastic one.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:I had one of those on a car I used to mod.  Makes a little difference.  But does help on tight curves on the rally track.
Reply:The cheapo ebay ones dont do a whole lot, but a nice heavy duty 3 point bar like the one I am making should stiffen things up. The most important thing about this one is once I finish my design and build a jig, I will be able to pump out as many as I can sell.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:That looks nice. Hope you sell a bunch.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks David.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Great little project! I'm just about to place my order for a Plasma Cam later this month. One word of adivce; make sure you put some type of distinguished marking on your bars after they are done. Something like a company name or serial number. You won't believe where your bars can end up and the numbers of people claiming they were the originators.I"ve had plenty of projects like this stolen from me.
Reply:Thanks for the advice yellow.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Originally Posted by QuciferI started a new strut tie bar project for the 6th generation Toyota Celica GT. 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 the Plasma Cam, and 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 firewall triangulating bars this week.And Yes that is duct tape on my air box tube.