Strut Tower Braces - Front Fitment Issue
05-05-2009, 12:51 PM
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Strut Tower Braces - Front Fitment Issue Hey guys,
I recently purchased a set of the strut tower braces from Don Rome. The rear bar went in with no problem at all. However, both front strut towers have a little screw popping up that hold wire harnesses. Those screws are right in the way of the front brackets. The brackets almost clear the screws, but not quite. I thought about just sawing the little screws off, but if there is another way to work without cutting on my car that would obviously be a better option. And yes, I did purchase the modified front bar that fits over the alternator.
Have any of you encountered this issue? It's a 2006 Monte Carlo SS.
P.S. - the car really handles a lot better with just the rear bar in place.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I recently purchased a set of the strut tower braces from Don Rome. The rear bar went in with no problem at all. However, both front strut towers have a little screw popping up that hold wire harnesses. Those screws are right in the way of the front brackets. The brackets almost clear the screws, but not quite. I thought about just sawing the little screws off, but if there is another way to work without cutting on my car that would obviously be a better option. And yes, I did purchase the modified front bar that fits over the alternator.
Have any of you encountered this issue? It's a 2006 Monte Carlo SS.
P.S. - the car really handles a lot better with just the rear bar in place.
Thanks in advance for your help.
05-05-2009, 01:07 PM
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I just took a hammer and chisel to mine. You may consider notching your brackets to fit. I was in a hurry to get them on before the wife got home to see that I bought another part for my car! LOL...
05-05-2009, 03:28 PM
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Yep, same here. I didn't have a chisel but the hammer & screwdriver worked. I just relocated the wire harness to another nearby bolt. FWIW, while it is metal, I am pretty sure it serves no grounding purpose, so you don't have to attach it to anything metal/at all.
And yeah, the rear bar is the one to have. You won't notice too much more with the front one on.
Hidden mods FTMFW!!!! I feel ya, bro!
And yeah, the rear bar is the one to have. You won't notice too much more with the front one on.
Hidden mods FTMFW!!!! I feel ya, bro!
05-05-2009, 04:38 PM
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Thanks for the responses guys. Hilarious about getting mods done before the significant other finds out!! Sneaky sneaky LOL! I guess I'll just relocate the wiring harnesses somewhere else - I bought the braces, you can bet I'm going to install them somehow! Even if the front bar won't significantly improve the handling over and above the rear bar gains, it will still look good under there.
Cheers.
Cheers.
05-06-2009, 08:16 AM
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I can't remember if I reattached that harness to anything, or just stuffed it under the bar. I think I found a screw and put it back...not sure. I don't have any close ups of that area.
HOWEVER, I still have clearance issues with these brackets & bars...as do many others. It does not make the hood bulge, but it does rub. Mine is painted silver, and I have missing paint on the bar, and paint scuffs on the underside of the hood on the driver's side.
HOWEVER, I still have clearance issues with these brackets & bars...as do many others. It does not make the hood bulge, but it does rub. Mine is painted silver, and I have missing paint on the bar, and paint scuffs on the underside of the hood on the driver's side.
Last edited by BuffaloSS; 05-06-2009 at 02:02 PM.
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05-06-2009, 08:34 AM
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Mines just bearly rubs also, no bulge or anything bad. It could probably be remedied with a tweek of the bolt flange. I think that could drop the bar down an 1/8th or so, just enough. If I ever decide to paint it that's what I'll do.
05-07-2009, 12:13 AM
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Im not trying to rip anyone off. I have the bars already that i will modify myself. and im going to make the brackets myself also. I knew some would think its a little messed up when i asked, but i figured it be worth a try before i go out and whip up a design myself. Im not trying to make money its only for me. I think what Don is selling is great, but i have the resources where i can do all the work myself so thats what im going to do. Sorry
05-07-2009, 02:53 AM
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Just start by making something that fits over the strut mounting holes like with cardboard/tagboard and mark out where the bar holes line up. Make the bracket a little larger to trim down, drill/tap the holes, etc. There is a slight bend that will need to be figured out but it shouldnt be that difficult depending on your skills. Could maybe make something with a hole saw if you want to be neat about it.
