Spreader Bar
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I'll say this again...if you do not notice a difference with a Spreader bar in some aspect of the car's handling, ride, firmness, etc than something is wrong.
I have never added an additional brace on any of my cars where the change did not make some sort of difference.
here are 2 REAL personal examples for my reference and context:
1994 Mustang Gt convertible (yes I know it is a convertible). Added 2 under chassis sub frame connectors AND a trunk spreader like bar in the trunk that acts just like the C3 front spreader bar. OMG...what difference in ride, firmness, squeaks, and handling.
#2:
2012 Lexus IS350 F Sport. Added a rear 1 piece TRD/Lexus 1 piece subframe under chassis subframe support in place of the lexus 3 individual stamped steel sub frame supports. Again, a dramtic improvement in chassis stiffness, steering response, , rear suspension handling response.
The Ford and Lexus/TRD chassis supports were not created for fun...THEY DO SOMETHING!!!!
And no you do not need to be racing to be able to feel the difference these mods make...you should feel them immediately on the street.
Any chassis stiffners should make a difference.............especially on a C3 which is NOT know for its rigid frame.......with a fiberglass body offering no chassis suppport....
I have never added an additional brace on any of my cars where the change did not make some sort of difference.
here are 2 REAL personal examples for my reference and context:
1994 Mustang Gt convertible (yes I know it is a convertible). Added 2 under chassis sub frame connectors AND a trunk spreader like bar in the trunk that acts just like the C3 front spreader bar. OMG...what difference in ride, firmness, squeaks, and handling.
#2:
2012 Lexus IS350 F Sport. Added a rear 1 piece TRD/Lexus 1 piece subframe under chassis subframe support in place of the lexus 3 individual stamped steel sub frame supports. Again, a dramtic improvement in chassis stiffness, steering response, , rear suspension handling response.
The Ford and Lexus/TRD chassis supports were not created for fun...THEY DO SOMETHING!!!!
And no you do not need to be racing to be able to feel the difference these mods make...you should feel them immediately on the street.
Any chassis stiffners should make a difference.............especially on a C3 which is NOT know for its rigid frame.......with a fiberglass body offering no chassis suppport....
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jul 31, 2018 at 09:04 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
In all fairness to the spreader bar. I don't really have a lot in common with a stock 79 vette. I have very little weight in front of the engine to induce bending forces
I have a 6 point roll cage. I went to an friends alignment shop after hours and when we were inspecting the lower a arms. I saw that I had developed a frame crack at the point where the lower a arms cross bar attaches. So it was frame weld, fish plates and gusset time. I still contend that using the motor as a stressed frame member with solid motor mounts works. The distance from the frame motor mounts to the spreader bar attachment point isn't that many inches. Also gusseting inhibits bending
I have a 6 point roll cage. I went to an friends alignment shop after hours and when we were inspecting the lower a arms. I saw that I had developed a frame crack at the point where the lower a arms cross bar attaches. So it was frame weld, fish plates and gusset time. I still contend that using the motor as a stressed frame member with solid motor mounts works. The distance from the frame motor mounts to the spreader bar attachment point isn't that many inches. Also gusseting inhibits bending
Last edited by gkull; Jul 31, 2018 at 09:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 817
Likes: 11
From: lewisburg wv
Just measured mine. Exactly 26 3/8. Spreader bar is on the way from Ecklers. Also ordered adjustable struts for the rear. One wheel has 3* neg camber with no adjustment left.
Last edited by pawpaws toy; Jul 31, 2018 at 10:46 AM. Reason: adding more info
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
Besides adding a spreader bar, I plan to fully weld the frame, add the recommended frame, supports and gussets.
In addition, I also plan to add a four point roll bar, much like "AllVettes4Me" installed in his "72 Road Race Replica Ideas Sought" thread, to stiffen the chassis (as soon as I can find one).
I like the idea of using solid motor mounts to use the engine as a strengthening point.
What would be the down side of using solid motor mounts?
In addition, I also plan to add a four point roll bar, much like "AllVettes4Me" installed in his "72 Road Race Replica Ideas Sought" thread, to stiffen the chassis (as soon as I can find one).
I like the idea of using solid motor mounts to use the engine as a strengthening point.
What would be the down side of using solid motor mounts?
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jul 31, 2018 at 11:40 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Besides adding a spreader bar, I plan to fully weld the frame, add the recommended frame, supports and gussets.
In addition, I also plan to add a four point roll bar, much like "AllVettes4Me" installed in his "72 Road Race Replica Ideas Sought" thread, to stiffen the chassis (as soon as I can find one).
I like the idea of using solid motor mounts to use the engine as a strengthening point.
What would be the down side of using solid motor mounts?
In addition, I also plan to add a four point roll bar, much like "AllVettes4Me" installed in his "72 Road Race Replica Ideas Sought" thread, to stiffen the chassis (as soon as I can find one).
I like the idea of using solid motor mounts to use the engine as a strengthening point.
What would be the down side of using solid motor mounts?
