Spreader Bar

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 5, 2010 | 12:13 PM

81pilot

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,635

Likes: 8

From: Enid Oklahoma

Spreader Bar

I read all I could find on using a spreader bar, and in all of them, nobody is using an engine driven fan. I know there is one you can buy to position and weld the tabs on, that is supposed to clear the fan and water pump, has anyone added one and left the fan on? Or will my stock 81 fans on my close to stock motor keep it cool enough without the clutch fan?? I have had a little cracking and want to keep it from happening again. Thanks

Feb 5, 2010 | 12:46 PM

78IndyPace

Racer

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 271

Likes: 25

From: Buena Vista Colorado

Unwelded Spreader Bar

Installed one last summer. Had to fab taller end plates as the ones supplied did not have sufficient material for a good weld with the spreader bar clearing below the stock engine driven fan pulley's "bell". Used 2" wide bar stock in place of the 1" end plates provided. Not difficult, but a PITA given the price. Had to taper the rear of the plate on the passenger's side to clear the radiator hose, too.

Was it worth it? My car is a very low mileage machine in excellent condition with no spring tower cracks. After installing the spreader bar, I think it's a bit stiffer in front, but not a whole lot. And I drive it hard on very winding mountain roads. Since you've had cracking you may feel more stiffening with the spreader bar. On mine, I would not do it again given the end plate fabrication I had to do to make it fit.

Hope this helps.
Jerry

Feb 5, 2010 | 01:09 PM

682XLR8

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 4,270

Likes: 20

From: Central Michigan

I installed the VBP weld-in bar, and also had to fab my own mounts from 2" bar stock, clears just fine

Feb 5, 2010 | 02:56 PM

81pilot

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,635

Likes: 8

From: Enid Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by 682XLR8

I installed the VBP weld-in bar, and also had to fab my own mounts from 2" bar stock, clears just fine

Thanks guys, just the info I was wanting, I am a decent welder and fabricator, so I guess I will order one up! If nothing else it will give me some piece of mind.

Feb 5, 2010 | 03:19 PM

78IndyPace

Racer

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 271

Likes: 25

From: Buena Vista Colorado

Since you are a fabricator & welder, you might want to save a few bucks and make yours from scratch. Here's a link:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...stock-fan.html

Lots more info out there. Do a search.

Feb 5, 2010 | 03:23 PM

SIXFOOTER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 9,192

Likes: 27

From: Boca Raton Florida

If you have the skills just build it. These guys have pretty good prices on bits and pieces
http://www.qscomponents.com/

Feb 5, 2010 | 03:52 PM

81pilot

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,635

Likes: 8

From: Enid Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER

If you have the skills just build it. These guys have pretty good prices on bits and pieces
http://www.qscomponents.com/

I may just do that, I was actually thinking about a gussett on the front lower cross member and going down from each side to that which has a flat bar linking the two, with torsion adjusters from there, it would have the same load rating and work just as well from what I have figured. Thanks!

Feb 6, 2010 | 09:50 AM

c69vete

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 1,695

Likes: 65

From: Kissimmee fl

Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified

2017 C3 of Year Finalist

Cruise-In VIII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '07

It was my experience that when you purchace the commercial parts as a kit, the mounting bar that attaches to the A-arm bolts is only 1" wide. On my car I had to use a 2" flat bar to get the bar under the fan pulley.
I used a piece of 3/4 in PCV pipe to mock up what I needed to make things fit.
Good luck with your project as I'm sure you will feel and like the improvement.