TZFBird

I just got done making a custom Strut Tower Brace for my TBI Firebird. I have noticed that it is handling a lot better. My next thoughts are some SFCs and then to box the LCAs. I have heard that some people on here have found a way to make their own LCA relocation brackets? If that is true does anyone know who?

I am also thinking of trying to box everything in the suspension that is 'U' shaped like the Panhard bar and the LCAs.
Would boxing these make the rear stiffer like the front? I like how it feels like it stays planted to the road better. Or else it is just my imagination.

Any suggestions or tips would be helpful. I think I am also due for some new shocks back there as well. Better check that out.

REVLIMIT

yea boxing the control arms and panhard bar would help make the rear stiffer. I was gonna do that but I just decided to buy hte atcually parts instead. Looks nicer and works better.

TZFBird

I am really pleased with the $20 STB I made, so I figure I would just do the rest cheaply. I know it will not look as nice, but I really am not going to have people look under my car.

REVLIMIT

what did you do to make the custom STB? Like...howd you bend it? just got two guys on each side and put it over a bar or soemthign?

TZFBird

I got some really tough stuff. There is no way 2 full grown guys could have bent it.

I had to put down 2 cinder blocks, jack up the front of our Dodge Ram 1500 and set one of the front wheels on it. The bar bent down about 2 in. and then supported the weight of the truck! I don't have a pic yet, but I actually wanted more bend than was possible for me to do around home.

I used 1"X1" square steel tubing with a wall of about 1/8" I had to actually cut into it and grind angles to be able to ben it down enough on the ends. I'm guessing that this thing will outlast my whole car. If you want a pic of it, just let me know.

I could seriously tow the car by the STB alone.

erictheviking

Go for it TZFBird!!!

TZFBird

I just got a few pics taken. Actually, its a lot of pics. Bear with me though. I forgot how to post pics on here so I will need to figure it out again.











I also have a pic of some lights I added into my air vents. Let me know what you think of them.


Well, like I said guys.. sorry, I need to find another place to host my pics. But you can work your finger muscles and just click on the links.

REVLIMIT

wow that bar looks pretty nice. If you had cleaned it off, grinded down the welds a bit, and then paint it you'd think its a company bought product! I see how you did it...I think I could make that. Its a good thing I have a welder and air tools...now...where to find a big truck....haha...as for the lights thats cool...I would have used a different color though...red makes me feel as if I'm in a dark room...really strange. And also it kinda looks pink O_o

TZFBird

Actually, the pic was taken durring the day. I tried to find the darkest place to take the pic that I could. It was just for the general idea. It looks a lot darker red at night. I know red might look a little strange, but it is actually pretty cool when you see it in person.

I am planning on grinding the welds a little and painting the brace, but I am waiting on buying the paint to do it first. I think I might make another one and hauk it to some kid. It could make me an easy $50 I'm sure. Enough to get me a good used LT1 cam at least.

mrr23

also get z28 springs for the rear. i put the lakewood stuff on mine. no more oversteer feel. definately will make a difference if you 'box' the stock stuff.