exploder

Well over the past few days I purchased a used Sparco EVO L. I had a really hard time mounting it in my z06 with the hardbar mounts, but after hammering for a little while I made it work. Next up was the need for a harness bar...I could not justify spending over 300 for a bar that I could make myself so....a full day of work later this is what I came up with.

Gray Ghost GS

Do you think you spent more than $115 in materials, shop supplies and your time to create this custom harness bar? Looks like a lot of effort, but came out real nice.

I/O Port Racing Supplies sells their Harness Guide Bar #GB4F for the C5/Z06 for that amount. http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant...gory_Code=IOPP

EDIT: Don't get me wrong - I too am jealous and wish I had such fabrication skills. Awesome work! Exploder was making a comparison to a $300+ harness bar, and probably wasn't aware of the I/O option for $115 (1/3 the price).

VetteDrmr

I would imagine his materials and shop supplies cost basically $0, unless he just wanted to use virgin material, not left overs.

As far as time goes to fabricate something, what do you think a good fab guy likes to do? Chalk it up to a recreational activity!

And, exploder, your fab skills make me green with envy! Did you design it so it bolts directly to the shoulder mounts? Is that what the hole in the bar is for? If so, do you think that makes a weak point in the system?

Or, if you didn't, how did you take care of the moment generated by the offset?

Have a good one,
Mike

exploder

I had 13.00 in supplies total. And yes I used the factory mounting holes, but used grade 8 bolts to attach the piece. I am not concerned at all about the hole in the piece after looking at some of the other ways to mount it that I have seen. Trust me, this thing is not losing any strength the way I have it mounted. I think I could basically reproduce the piece reliably for around the same price as that other one you mentioned. It was just kind of fun to do anyways.

...Mark...

Got any pics of the C5 application?

fatbillybob

I'm cheap too this is what I made so I could use my factory 3 pt belts and my harness. My sparco seat should be here by X-mas. The b piller angle actually prevents rotation and the plate is bolted also grade 8 through the harness bar plate and the stock shoulder anchor is threaded into the plate too. I'm so cheap I'm not going to paint mine. This method took a couple hours. The hardest part for me was jacking up the car to disconnect the ECU's so they would not get fried by the welder. You see I tacked the bar onto my plates to get a perfect custom passive fit. Oh and this is a C5Zo6

Dainbramage

Exploder... you're a disgrace to the Corvette world... you should be shot for making a "fabbed" up part and putting it in such a nice car! I mean, come on, our sh*t doesn't stink and we don't use homemade stuff! You probably made your friggin exhaust too!!!!!

Just kidding Phillip! Looks great! We just need to get you a harness, you can use my RA1s, and we'll go to MSR Cresson Feb 3rd and 4th to see if we can keep your 700whp on the track!

Mikelly

Being a welder myself, and having been chastised here for making my own stuff and NOT buying from some of the vendors because I had the ability to make my own stuff, I can tell you that you won't get the level of appreciation that you'd expect for doing your own thing...

Having said that, I think the bar looks fine. I seriously doubt you'll have any issues with that particular bar failing on you. The one thing you could do to strengthen the tube is to run a fine bead around the hole that you made to access the bolt. It'll act as it's own "gusset". Otherwise, it looks good.

Mike

VetteDrmr

Mike, it's your own fault, hanging out in the waxer (er, um, C5 General) forum!

Having built a 2-seat Long Ez (aircraft) back in the 80s, I can *always* appreciate good fab work!

Have a good one,
Mike B.

exploder

I had a good time building it. It actually looks alot better in person than in the pics, but the flash on the camera makes it look dirty. What do you guys suggest for harnesses????

PA Z06

Very cool, and I run Teamtech 5pts there pretty comfy and they also make it in 6 pt.

L98 DRIVER

staying with the cheep theme
Those racers that need to pass tech. must replace the belts
every 2 years. It's a good source for low buck 6 point.
that's where I got mine to attach to my home made bar.

BlueThunderousZ06

Fatbillybob, how much did you bar weigh? How about yours Exploder?

fatbillybob

All I had laying around was 1.75" 120 wall DOM which is way over kill. It is 2 lb/ft so multiply that by the distance between the B pillers. So I don't know but you can calculate it.

vettedan

OMG Definitely not a Hardbar!!!

Cobra4B

Well done man! If I could have I would have... however BK bar for me. I keep it in all the time and I love how the BK bar looks oem.

exploder

I would say mine weighs approximately 12-15 lbs. I make enough power that the weight doesn't bother me.

astig00

There you go showing off again!!



I wish I had those fab skills!!