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View Full Version : Made strut bars for the subaru!


blcknspo0ln
05-10-2008, 12:31 PM
Inspired by Jeff's (taloons) strut bar that I saw when I had his car, I decided to flex my welding prowess (or lack thereof LOL) and fab up a set of strut bars for the subaru. I just bought 2 48" lengths of 1/8" steel plumbers pipe and cut and welded them to place. I'm gonna drive her around today and see if it actually made a difference. If not, that's ok too!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0008-1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0009-1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0010.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0011-2.jpg
wcpierson
05-10-2008, 01:20 PM
Just paint them a flat black and they will look great...nice job
gvr4737
05-10-2008, 03:23 PM
look pretty good.. the sizes and angles look a little off, but for first attempt thats good.. im sure u could make a sweet set in the future.. id defintly just paint em flat black and rock em

u probably wont see much difference.. it will all be in ur head that it feels stiffer up front
TuRBoTaLooN95
05-10-2008, 05:46 PM
Awesome Tom! Get your welding skills up to par!

It was awesome to see that I've inspired someone...even if it wasn't on purpose.
gtluke
05-11-2008, 09:47 PM
those bends are going to act like springs, see if you can reinforce it by linking the 2 bars together.
A+ for trying something on your own.
TuRBoTaLooN95
05-12-2008, 09:41 AM
those bends are going to act like springs, see if you can reinforce it by linking the 2 bars together.
A+ for trying something on your own.

+1

Very few guys fabbing their own parts (aside from the pros).
hindle
05-12-2008, 11:14 AM
those bends are going to act like springs, see if you can reinforce it by linking the 2 bars together.

+1

Triangles are your friend.
TurboMike
05-12-2008, 01:25 PM
If you're going to redo them, tie them to the firewall. Thats where the real chassis stiffness comes into play.
Phreak
05-12-2008, 02:05 PM
What's holding them on? They welded to the car?
twizzle
05-13-2008, 01:08 AM
What's holding them on? They welded to the car?
from looking at the pics, it looks like theyre bolted to strut towers.
blcknspo0ln
05-13-2008, 12:54 PM
yup, it is held on both sides by 2 strut tower nuts. I took the advice here and welded the two bars together from the rear middle section, so that no one can see my ugly welds :lol: I took some bar stock and joined the end links together and finally painted it black. All in all, I think it's a pretty solid piece and I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever placebo effect I get from it :lol: Next up, I'm going to make one for the talon and tie it to the firewall. I didn't want to do it to the subaru since it's my 'new' car.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0012-2.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/thelmasofast/DSC_0018-1.jpg
gvr4737
05-13-2008, 01:17 PM
that looks good..

i always thaught about welding up a nice strut bar , but the Evo's stock one is pretty decent and ties into the firewall stock.

guess when i get my next dsm project :P ill make somethin along those lines
billios996
05-13-2008, 03:50 PM
Did you drive it? Impressions on the home made goodness?
You could gusset the joints for some extra strength too.
blcknspo0ln
05-15-2008, 02:02 AM
I don't know if it's just me, but the car feels a bit firmer around the turns. Good news is that the welds didn't break and the car feels a lot tighter for the fat pig that it is :lol:
TuRBoTaLooN95
05-15-2008, 09:19 AM
I don't know if it's just me, but the car feels a bit firmer around the turns. Good news is that the welds didn't break and the car feels a lot tighter for the fat pig that it is :lol:

I'm seeing a new company:

JM Tom Fabrications. :lol:

Nice work Tom.