Van Steel parts
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Glenvale Queensland
Van Steel parts
Is anyone here running Van Steel's spreader bar or rear adjustable struts? I'm looking at getting these parts, just waiting on shipping prices, and I thought I'd see if anyone was using them and could give me some feedback. Their prices are a little higher than some but I've heard good things about them.
Thanks, Doug
Thanks, Doug
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
I'm running their adjustable rear struts and have no complaints. The key is not to overtighten the bolts. The struts have to be able to move as the suspension travels up and down or they'll twist and loosen up, no matter how tight you get them. Mine haven't loosened up a single time. Dan and Paul are great to work with and know what they're doing!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 503
Likes: 17
From: Jacksonville FL
I can recomend the quality of their offerings and highly recomend Paul's technical advise.
I have their coil over rear suspension but made my own strut rods and will likely make my own spreader bar in the front when I go to the coil over package in the front (waiting on the budget to catch up!).
Yes, do not overthighten the bolts that go through the heim joints as they have to move with the suspension.
I have visited their shop and while it isn't a glitzy showroom, they have all that is needed to keep their customers satisified, espically knowledge.
Locke McCormick
North Florida Corvette Assn., NCCC
Buccaneer Region, SCCA
Jacksonville, FL
I have their coil over rear suspension but made my own strut rods and will likely make my own spreader bar in the front when I go to the coil over package in the front (waiting on the budget to catch up!).
Yes, do not overthighten the bolts that go through the heim joints as they have to move with the suspension.
I have visited their shop and while it isn't a glitzy showroom, they have all that is needed to keep their customers satisified, espically knowledge.
Locke McCormick
North Florida Corvette Assn., NCCC
Buccaneer Region, SCCA
Jacksonville, FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
I didn't use the particular parts you are asking about but I did use their upper & lower A-Arms with QA 1 coilovers up front & their rear offset T/As w/ QA1 coilovers & shortened sway bar. Perfect in fit and performance! I would do it again tomorrow. I agree with the above post too, Paul is fantastic.
Ray Y
Ray Y
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Good guys at Van Steel, they seam welded, gusseted, and powder coated my frame. Same here: upper & lower A-Arms with QA 1 coilovers up front, rear offset T/As w/ QA 1 coilovers, shortened sway bar, spreader bar; all sitting on the frame with the body off teasing me to finish the project.
Kind of hard to see the rest but here it is.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Glenvale Queensland
Sorry for the slow responce guys, got tied up. Thanks for the replies, hereing all good things about these guys. Looking at other options for the parts, the freight is a bit expensive,(not thier fault).
That frame looks brilliant, you'll have to get motivated and get the body back on.
Cheers
That frame looks brilliant, you'll have to get motivated and get the body back on.
Cheers
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 197
From: Loveland, CO
As I posted on the strut thread a few positions above this one, I used the adjustable strut rods for a while. After a long drive (200 miles) I noticed my rear wheels cocked out at an un-natural angle. The locking nuts had come loose (I even used two on each position) and allowed the adjustment to occur on it's own. And, I am sure they were tight to begin with. I'm just lucky my rear wheels didn't fall off.
Anyway, went back to rubber stock strut rods and feel much better.
Just my experience. Ralph.
Anyway, went back to rubber stock strut rods and feel much better.
Just my experience. Ralph.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Here is a very large picture of the loop and attachment points, though I'm wondering what'll happen if the inside U joint goes??? I'm thinking I'd like to get a driveshaft loop too, now would be the time to install it. The Vansteel folks did a great job of setting up my frame. All that’s left to drop the body is plumbing the fuel system. With so many options it's giving me a tough time deciding which way to go. Guess I should start my own thread for that one... Sorry Doug 61 for the mini-hijack.
Last edited by MyRed69; Feb 6, 2012 at 08:59 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Yeah they did a nice job. I kinda knew what I wanted when I went in, so it made things a little easier. I plan on doing some autocross and maybe a little road racing.
Here is the rest of the project: http://islandtimeinvestor.com/iti/vette/
Here is the rest of the project: http://islandtimeinvestor.com/iti/vette/
