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Spreader bar clearance

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Old Sep 9, 2022 | 04:50 PM
  #1  
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Default Spreader bar clearance

How much clearance do I need between the fan and the spreader bar, right now I have a little less than 1/4th inch on each side. This is with the front end lifted in the air. Seems pretty tight to me compared to other threads.



Last edited by Cmurray79; Sep 9, 2022 at 04:57 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2022 | 07:19 PM
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Do you race your car? Is your frame compromised?
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Old Sep 9, 2022 | 07:55 PM
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In theory the fan should pull away from the bar if anything, that said it looks like you've got some thread left and could add a shim (1/8?) to the fan to help the clearance
M
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Old Sep 9, 2022 | 08:20 PM
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My hats off to you..
I couldn’t do it..in theory it fits but most have electric fans. And with ac and belt guards..my hats off as it is tight.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-guard-2.html
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Old Sep 9, 2022 | 11:39 PM
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I think you’re good. My PS pump has two belt groves, which limited how far back I could mount the spreader bar. The fan would occasionally kiss the spreader bar with a little “ting”. I put a 1/8” spacer behind the fan clutch. Problem solved.
http://www.myruffhouse.com/1969_corv...Spreader%20Bar
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 12:14 AM
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Switch to electric fans, and never look back.

In the meantime, solid motor mounts?
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 08:43 AM
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You should be. Fine check it with the car on the ground
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 11:12 AM
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That would a be a little tight for my liking. As mentioned above; check it on the ground, and if then, if still that tight, then space the fan forward a skosh. How close is it to the underside of that pulley?


Originally Posted by Cmurray79
How much clearance do I need between the fan and the spreader bar, right now I have a little less than 1/4th inch on each side. This is with the front end lifted in the air. Seems pretty tight to me compared to other threads.
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 02:31 PM
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Are you sure the bracket isn't backwards?
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 7t9l82
Are you sure the bracket isn't backwards?
I’m pretty sure they are on correctly. If you scroll down in the link I provided, you’ll see the brackets are symmetrical. There is no long or short side.
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 03:05 PM
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I have the same bar I'll. Have to look at mine
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by kodpkd
Do you race your car? Is your frame compromised?
There is a lot of flex in the c3 frame and this bar makes a noticeable improvement even with street driving.

Mine fits fine but I upgraded to electric fans last year.
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 04:29 PM
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mine is so close, I can't change a fan belt.
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 05:01 PM
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I added a thin spacer because I had contact.
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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 06:07 PM
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Here's an old photo of mine. I have maybe 1/8" - 3/16" between the fan and bar. No problems at all and I've had mine on since 2016. No modifications at all.

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Old Sep 10, 2022 | 09:19 PM
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If your spreader bar doesn’t already have slotted mounting holes, you could enlong them a bit to allow for front to back adjustment. Spacers on the fan mount as mentioned above sounds good too. Couldn’t find a picture of the actual mounting holes on mine.


Charlie
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Old Sep 11, 2022 | 12:56 AM
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When accelerating, the engine lifts up and to the right. Forward/aft motion is near nothing. 1/4 inch clearance should be fine.
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Old Sep 11, 2022 | 11:14 AM
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My spreader bar is just like that and never touches
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Old Sep 11, 2022 | 01:35 PM
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Default 1979 spreader bar?

Dumb question I geuss. Why are you installing the spreader bar?
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Old Sep 11, 2022 | 04:58 PM
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Because Spreader bars really make a difference.
I would have to honestly say that the Spreader bar is the best bang for the buck of all the modifications I have done to my car. Very little money for a difference you can really feel.
Very noticeable in a S turn situation. Takes a huge amount of flex out.
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