Let's talk spreader bars...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,601
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Let's talk spreader bars...
I'll be adding a dewitts Al radiator and dual spals, so I was thinking of adding a spreader bar too. I've seen many, and I had a topic from a while back that is lost from the forum server change. So, how effective are they? Yay or nay?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I added one to my convertible and I can tell you it does make a difference. The whole car seems more solid with the bar in place. To me, it was worth the $90 or so when I bought mine.
Spreader Bar How To Link
Spreader Bar How To Link
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I installed one from VB&P in my '73 back in the early 90's as an all out effort to improve my cars autocross manners. I did this along with lowering, upgrading to complete F-41 suspension, polyurethane bushings and new shocks. When I installed the spreader bar, I set the adjustment with the weight on the wheels. At this point I could quite easily twist the bar about the Heim joints by hand. I later lifted the car (front wheels off the ground with suspension fully extended) via the front crossmember. I happened to grab the bar and noticed that I could no longer twist it by hand; it was under that much tension. I would not have believed that the front suspension flexed that much, but apparently it does.
I guess you could always measure the distance between the two top a-arm cross shafts with the weight on the wheels and then pick it up via the crossmember and measure it again. I would not be surprised to see half an inch or more…
Good luck… GUSTO
I guess you could always measure the distance between the two top a-arm cross shafts with the weight on the wheels and then pick it up via the crossmember and measure it again. I would not be surprised to see half an inch or more…
Good luck… GUSTO
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Good move..
Going by seat of the pants feel, I'd say definitely yes. Since front frame flex is such a documented problem, It can't help but work. All you have to do is take a look at how high up the upper control arm mounts are, basically unsupported, to see how it would be a good thing. Let us know what you think after it's mounted. I sure like mine.
Hans
Hans
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by torqvette
Are spreader bars sorta like strut tower braces? If so don't they get in the way of the fan?
The biggest thing for me was eliminating the flexing that happens whenever you drive your vette that eventually leads to cracks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 1
From: Atascadero CA
Originally Posted by MILO
I believe the ONLY way to get them on is with an electrical fan.
BTW, I like my bar!!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Originally Posted by Batsy74
Is this a bolt in mod or does it need to be welded in?
-Steve
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
They'll fit with a stock fan on a SB (runs under the fan hub), but no way on a BB. It's just as well, because most BB (including mine with A/C) cars barely stayed cool on real hot days, like here in NorCal during the summer, so the alloy rad/electric fan setup is the way to go. I've kept all the stock stuff, but I doubt I'll ever go back.
Hans
Hans
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Originally Posted by Batsy74
Is this a bolt in mod or does it need to be welded in?
GUSTO
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I think Norval needs to make his bar as a kit. That thing is sweet. Heck, I could make the brackets...I just don't have the equipment, taps and bar stock to make the bar.
