Spreader Bar Question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Spreader Bar Question
I am thinknig of adding a spreader bar for better support on the front end. I have a fan not electric fans and was wondering what you all think of it since you have one.
I am thinking of VBP
Is the front end more stable, like when driving over railroad tracks or large bumps in the road, and on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being highest please rate.
Thanks
Dennis
I am thinking of VBP
Is the front end more stable, like when driving over railroad tracks or large bumps in the road, and on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being highest please rate.
Thanks
Dennis
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 25
From: Buena Vista Colorado
At least 2 of us on the forum had to fab end plates from 2" wide bar stock in order to have sufficient material for welding the tabs and still have the bar clear about 1/4" below the fan pulley. The plates you'll get are only 1". Not a big deal, but for VBP's price they should provide parts that work.
While I can feel a bit more stiffness with the bar on my 78, it's not a huge difference. But it's also a very low mileage car with no rust and a solid stock suspension with Bilstein sport shocks on all corners. I would not do it again on my particular car.
While I can feel a bit more stiffness with the bar on my 78, it's not a huge difference. But it's also a very low mileage car with no rust and a solid stock suspension with Bilstein sport shocks on all corners. I would not do it again on my particular car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
I'm running twin Spal electric fans with a DeWitts radiator so the VBP bracket works fine. It is a very worthwhile suspension upgrade and I know you will see a positive difference if you decide to use one.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
At least 2 of us on the forum had to fab end plates from 2" wide bar stock in order to have sufficient material for welding the tabs and still have the bar clear about 1/4" below the fan pulley. The plates you'll get are only 1". Not a big deal, but for VBP's price they should provide parts that work.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I have not had experience with the VBP unit. This one came from another Forum sponsor (Speed Direct).
There seems to be a modest increase in front end stability but 1) I do not drive aggressively and 2) my front end was pretty solid to begin with. My car is a hobby and sometimes I just like to fool about.
http://speeddirect.com/index.aspx?nodeID=183
There seems to be a modest increase in front end stability but 1) I do not drive aggressively and 2) my front end was pretty solid to begin with. My car is a hobby and sometimes I just like to fool about.
http://speeddirect.com/index.aspx?nodeID=183
Last edited by Paul L; May 30, 2010 at 08:39 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Made a difference in mine. I cant say a 9, as I think my frame was still very strong. I would say 6-7 due to that fact.
But, Spreader bar, in combination with Rack and Pinion really makes the front end feel SOLID and I would give this combo a 9.
I have a third party comparison also. While I was trying to sell my car last fall, a fellow that had been test driving several other C3s came and test drove mine. He said "Hands down, this car handles and steers the best of all the Vettes he has driven".
But, Spreader bar, in combination with Rack and Pinion really makes the front end feel SOLID and I would give this combo a 9.
I have a third party comparison also. While I was trying to sell my car last fall, a fellow that had been test driving several other C3s came and test drove mine. He said "Hands down, this car handles and steers the best of all the Vettes he has driven".
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I don't have a mechanical fan, so I didn't have any of the complications of a spreader bar fitting around a mechanical fan. The VBP spreader bar I installed DEFINITELY made an improvement! 
