Tom's rear strut bar is a really nicely made piece, but I can't get it installed. After going out and getting a deep 14mm socket for my breaker bar to get the nuts off the rear shock towers, I see no way to put them back on once the bar pieces go over the strut towers. The recessed holes where the three bolts come up through are so tight there's no way to get a socket in there.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Nevermind, I found the solution. I had a 1/2" breaker bar, and the (14mm) deep socket is too fat to fit in the recesses of the Tom's mounting bracket, so I went and bought a 3/8" drive 14mm deep socket to use with my smaller ratchet bar, and it fits fine. This time I took the Tom's bracket to Home Depot to make sure!

So the brackets are on... now to cut the felt liner (gulp) to get the bar through to attach to the mounting brackets.

Before I do this, I guess I should take a couple of pics in case anyone else is interested...

Since I'm unemployed I have lots of time.

 

It's done - pics taken, will upload soon.

What a pain in the ***! (Or BACK to be more accurate.)

 

wow, bit, you are all over this thread You ask AND answer the question. I was wondering who would know the answer to such a question other than yourself...lol...sure enough, you got it. Can't wait to see your pics.

 

Yeah, another sign that I'm nuts - I have threads going where only I post!

Hey - really like the animated gif of your Lex - although it looks like a police car!

 

Bit, you gotta tell us how the handling factor since you installed the rear strut. I only upgraded my suspension, but I like your setup and planning to get the sways + strut.

 

Diesel - will do! Haven't driven it yet. I'm not expecting much from a rear brace, but it looks cool and I wanted it to complete the package.

OK, here's some pics...

Left side bracket install:

 

Right side bracket install:

 

OK now this next picture looks neat, BUT...

 

... turns out I couldn't get the liner fasteners back in with only openings big enough for the bar itself, so I had to cut some more liner to push it back toward the bracket more... not quite as tidy, but at least I could push the liner fasteners back in and finish the job.

 

looks great man! your suspension is almost compleatly done except for the toms lower suspension brace

 

great pics Bit .... thanks!

we gotta find you a job dude

next thing we know, you'll be putting chrome tape on yer grill !!!!!!

 

I've only been unemployed 2 business days so far... and I haven't found the urge to buy any chrome tape yet.

That duct tape looked tempting though... and the stick on flame...

 

Thanks I have some fascination with police lights on cars - pretty much a fascination with lights altogether. Freaky huh?

Great pictures of the rear strut bar. I've been wondering how that would look/fit...now I know.

 

Glad it's not a fascination with matches instead.

I like lights a lot too... always thought sequencing lights, flashing and glowing lights, neon, etc., are just great. I've written programs before that just simulate lights! Check out this one...

http://higginbottom.com/paul/applets/radar/radar.htm