spreader bar
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 667
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
spreader bar
Will a spreader bar help prevent cowl shake in my 73 convertible ? When I run over a manhole cover or hit a bad bump the car shakes. I have the Van Steel coilover system with Ridetech shocks.The shocks are set on soft settings. I don't want to spend $20,000 on a modern stiffer frame. Any ideas? Thanks Charlie.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 949
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Yes a spreader bar will help PLUS the shark bar:
http://vetteworksonline.net/6873%20harness%20bar.htm
http://vetteworksonline.net/6873%20harness%20bar.htm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 665
From: Northeast
I have this spreader bar from Speeddirect. https://cmc.speeddirect.com/customkititems.asp?kc=780%2D86962&eq= with my stock front end.
When I called a couple of years ago to order I mentioned being on this forum and received a discount.
When I called a couple of years ago to order I mentioned being on this forum and received a discount.
Last edited by BKarol; Jun 24, 2018 at 08:53 PM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
It's a long shot, but shine a bright light on all six body mounts to see if they are rusted badly/spacers are missing/check mounting bolts to make sure they are tight if everything else looks good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,656
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What made a big difference on my 68 convertible was welding/closing-up the stitch welds between the wheels from underneath (since that's all I could reach).
I subsequently closed up the topside stitch welds in the engine compartment (when I had the engine out) and added a spreader-bar. Neither of those was as noticeable as closing in the stitch-welds between the wheels.
I subsequently closed up the topside stitch welds in the engine compartment (when I had the engine out) and added a spreader-bar. Neither of those was as noticeable as closing in the stitch-welds between the wheels.
Will a spreader bar help prevent cowl shake in my 73 convertible ? When I run over a manhole cover or hit a bad bump the car shakes. I have the Van Steel coilover system with Ridetech shocks.The shocks are set on soft settings. I don't want to spend $20,000 on a modern stiffer frame. Any ideas? Thanks Charlie.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Hey Charlie-
DO- check the braces as "Peterbuilt" mentioned.
IIRC you have the vintage air- It does require modifying ( or maybe just removing...) the braces to fit the vintage air.
DO- check the braces as "Peterbuilt" mentioned.
IIRC you have the vintage air- It does require modifying ( or maybe just removing...) the braces to fit the vintage air.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 592
Will a spreader bar help prevent cowl shake in my 73 convertible ? When I run over a manhole cover or hit a bad bump the car shakes. I have the Van Steel coilover system with Ridetech shocks.The shocks are set on soft settings. I don't want to spend $20,000 on a modern stiffer frame. Any ideas? Thanks Charlie.
The addition is not expensive enough not to try. Let us know how it turns out if you decide on the addition.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
All older convertibles will exhibit cowl shake. It’s the nature of the beast with the frames and technology used back then.
Now if it’s excessive is another thing but probably something you will need to compare against a similar model.
You may be able to reduce the cowl shake somewhat with extra bracing but you’ll never eliminate it in these cars.
Just my .02
Now if it’s excessive is another thing but probably something you will need to compare against a similar model.
You may be able to reduce the cowl shake somewhat with extra bracing but you’ll never eliminate it in these cars.
Just my .02
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fications.html
Really easy to make your own Spreader Bar-as I needed some clearance too.
I used a Panhard bar from Speedway motors - on their 'Garage sale"- like $50 as needed a curved bar to clear my dry sump pump.
Some angle iron, bolts and a can of spray paint-
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,174
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From: perth western australia
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
I installed the speed direct spreader bar as it's smaller in diameter than the others and it clears my engine driven fan (stock fan pulley with a spacer and flex fan). It made a big difference to steering feel but I still get a little cowl shake over big bumps. Fortunately there are not a lot of those where I live and drive. That's just life with a C3 Convertible. Mines a '71 BTW.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 283
From: cary Il
I installed the speed direct spreader bar as it's smaller in diameter than the others and it clears my engine driven fan (stock fan pulley with a spacer and flex fan). It made a big difference to steering feel but I still get a little cowl shake over big bumps. Fortunately there are not a lot of those where I live and drive. That's just life with a C3 Convertible. Mines a '71 BTW.
the 68s verts did not have any under dash cowl bars, that started in mid 69
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 949
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I installed the speed direct spreader bar as it's smaller in diameter than the others and it clears my engine driven fan (stock fan pulley with a spacer and flex fan). It made a big difference to steering feel but I still get a little cowl shake over big bumps. Fortunately there are not a lot of those where I live and drive. That's just life with a C3 Convertible. Mines a '71 BTW.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I'm running a vb&p spreader bar and plenty of clearance with my ls3 swap. In fact i had less room with the old 383 sbc and serpentine setup. Easy install. Hope this helps and good luck.
ls3 w/ vb&p spreader bar
sbc w/ same vb&p spreader
ls3 w/ vb&p spreader bar
sbc w/ same vb&p spreader
