spreader bar information
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 3
spreader bar information
I was wondering if there is anyone using a frt spreader bar on your vettes. I am thinking about getting one because it sounds as though it would make sense. Ecklers offer 2 different types, one says welding on the car needed and one says no welding on the car needed. Also I see sharkbite sells them as well.
If you are using one did you see a noticeable difference?
Rodney
If you are using one did you see a noticeable difference?
Rodney
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I have the VB&P spreader bar on my '80. What I noticed most is less rattles and squeeks in the front end and a tighter feel in turns on roads with rough pavement.
Last edited by MN80Vette; Jan 22, 2012 at 05:01 PM. Reason: Picture added
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
I got mine from Speeddirect.com
I installed it when I put in the Dewitt aluminum radiator and Spal fans.
I installed it when I put in the Dewitt aluminum radiator and Spal fans.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
There is a search function on the Forum. Note the difference between using a stock fan and electrical fans.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...nical-fan.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...nical-fan.html
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
welding is necessary to clear a stock fan, no bolt on kits I know of....
I have a VBP setup and been there long time now....10? years...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I rebuilt the entire chassis on a new frame for the 72 in addition to installing the Vette Brakes spreader bar so I don't know exactly what it contributed to the stability of the chassis but it certainly didn't hurt anything!
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I got mine from Speeddirect.com
I installed it when I put in the Dewitt aluminum radiator and Spal fans.
I installed it when I put in the Dewitt aluminum radiator and Spal fans.
Jim
Last edited by Frankenvette; Jan 22, 2012 at 08:12 PM.
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
Based on the VB&P instructions you have brackets installed backwards and need to flip your brackets to the opposite sides. This will move the spreader bar mount forward a few inches. Not sure how much it really matters in the end but just wanted to mention. Also, your spreader bar won't be under the pulley.
Jim
Jim
I would guess that this particular set up started out using the stock fan. (but we all know what happens when we assume)
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 200
From: Waterford Mi
Based on the VB&P instructions you have brackets installed backwards and need to flip your brackets to the opposite sides. This will move the spreader bar mount forward a few inches. Not sure how much it really matters in the end but just wanted to mention. Also, your spreader bar won't be under the pulley.
Jim
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Pre 78 frames were lighter and prone to cracking. so the spreader bar for them is a good idea.
Rob, the solid motor mounts do make the front end more ridged. But the bending forces of the front spring and upper a-arms might distort the frame somewhat.
I reenforced my front frame after I found a crack where my rear lower a-arm bolt attaches. I never has a problem until I installed All new poly bushings, 700# springs, dual adjust QA-1 semi coil overs and 295 width front slicks. Even my 79 frame wasn't up to the test. Most tracks run CCW so the right front really gets abused
Rob, the solid motor mounts do make the front end more ridged. But the bending forces of the front spring and upper a-arms might distort the frame somewhat.
I reenforced my front frame after I found a crack where my rear lower a-arm bolt attaches. I never has a problem until I installed All new poly bushings, 700# springs, dual adjust QA-1 semi coil overs and 295 width front slicks. Even my 79 frame wasn't up to the test. Most tracks run CCW so the right front really gets abused
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Thanks George. I was afraid of that. Between the oversized radiator & Spals, and the 4" blower belt, I'm not sure where to put it anymore.
Maybe I'll get a set of those 90 degree belts and mount the bottom pullies sideways.
Maybe I'll get a set of those 90 degree belts and mount the bottom pullies sideways.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 961
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Speedirect especially with a mechanical oem fan like I have- no weldind involved and it fits perfectly!
The bar will make a big difference especially on cars like mine where I have spent years eliminating any and all bushing and chassis flex. The front shock towers flex tremendously and the spreader bar stops that movement. My car is much quieter, rides better and steering response is much improved. All c3's should have a spreader bar.
The bar will make a big difference especially on cars like mine where I have spent years eliminating any and all bushing and chassis flex. The front shock towers flex tremendously and the spreader bar stops that movement. My car is much quieter, rides better and steering response is much improved. All c3's should have a spreader bar.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento CA
Speed direct one here.
I noticed a huge difference. Then did offset A arms from VB&P and REALLY liked the way the front end bites now.
Before those two mods, my front end pushed SO bad. Now? It will bite nice and hard and my back end will come around nice and controllably. DEF worth it!
I noticed a huge difference. Then did offset A arms from VB&P and REALLY liked the way the front end bites now.
Before those two mods, my front end pushed SO bad. Now? It will bite nice and hard and my back end will come around nice and controllably. DEF worth it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
I fabricated my own design spreader bar to clear the off road fan shroud. My bar-to-bracket bolts are vertical instead of horizontal like most ready-made kits. Hard to tell if it alone made that much difference because I installed a Steeroids power R&P and offset upper control arm shafts at the same time. All I know is that part of the engine cradle/shock tower is going nowhere anytime soon. And my front end alignment should not change one whit unless something catastrophic happens like hitting a giant pothole.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Fl
69 Chevy--you built your own, and that is what I enjoy doing. I have a 78, and I've been making measurements and sketching, looking at turnbuckle sizes, etc. As much as I like bolt-on jobs, I really get pumped when I make it.
When you did yours, did you make sketches that you still have? If it's cool with you, I'd like to look at what you did! It looks like SS roundstock--is it 3/4", how long? Did you use 3/8" turnbuckles--size of rod-ends? Looks like you broke heavy ga stainless sheet for the mounts-- When I looked at material cost, it pushes up there with the purchased kits, but maybe you saw ways to save? Amazon now has all kinds of stock metal--ships free with Prime!
It's my first post, so not sure how all this works, but I assume you can email me or post it back?
When you did yours, did you make sketches that you still have? If it's cool with you, I'd like to look at what you did! It looks like SS roundstock--is it 3/4", how long? Did you use 3/8" turnbuckles--size of rod-ends? Looks like you broke heavy ga stainless sheet for the mounts-- When I looked at material cost, it pushes up there with the purchased kits, but maybe you saw ways to save? Amazon now has all kinds of stock metal--ships free with Prime!
It's my first post, so not sure how all this works, but I assume you can email me or post it back?