A small detail from a project we’ve got in the shop
Posted by Restomotive@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 55 comments
We’ve got an interesting project in the works right now, and for now I wanted to show this part of it. I’ll share more of the build later on.
This front strut bar(Monte Carlo Bar) is one of those simple changes where you can actually feel the difference.
It’s a pretty straightforward piece, but it helps stiffen up the engine bay and cut down on flex where these cars can use it.
It’s made from S355 structural steel and uses a turnbuckle in the middle, so it’s easy to get the fit where you want it.
I like this kind of upgrade because it still feels right for the car — simple, functional, and not trying too hard.
Would you keep something like this old-school and simple, or go with a more involved setup?
Recent-Campaign911@reddit
Dang that looks 100 times nicer than the global west stuff.
RoutineP0utine@reddit
Dumb question time: what keeps the turnbuckle from losening?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
lock nuts, it's just example mount
JoeDubayew@reddit
Like your post was an example of ChatGPT?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Nope, in Eastern Europe, the reach of ChatGPT doesn’t extend here.
JoeDubayew@reddit
Try again https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7947663-chatgpt-supported-countries
sorestgore@reddit
Great job detective, such a gotcha!!!
JoeDubayew@reddit
It's so funny when guys like you actively advertise how lonely you are.
sorestgore@reddit
That is such a weird conclusion to draw?
JoeDubayew@reddit
Poor thing. Edgelord wannabes always lack self awareness. Fuels the loneliness.
sorestgore@reddit
Who fucking cares, y'all are annoying as fuck on every fucking thread.
rational_overthinker@reddit
George " The Animal" Steele he was a turnbuckle killer
Ponklemoose@reddit
The jam nuts some fool deleted.
Raider5151@reddit
Definitely missing the lock nuts. Hopefully this is just a test fit
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
exactly
knalorgaan@reddit
The Lord 🙏
rensole@reddit
Seems like an old Mustang, I’d honestly use the one you have to get the exact dimensions of everything, but I’d honestly go for a custom made to size stainless bar but that’s just me.
Quite an innovative tool you made by the way!
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Thx a lot.
Stainless steel is very difficult to bend, and we didn’t want these parts to undergo heat treatment. S355 steel is extremely strong and definitely fulfills its role here very well. Additionally, we verified the design with FEA simulations, and the structure is properly engineered
rensole@reddit
Oh I wasn’t worried about rigidity or passing tests (this thing looks strong as hell), I just meant for visual purposes I’d go stainless.
But I’m the kind of idiot that travels 20 hours one way to pick up parts 😅
AFreePeacock@reddit
Is there a reason you can’t integrate the crossbar into the strut mount firewall bracing like so?
Not dogging the design, it’s quite neat and I could see the theoretical argument for improved bracing or better “lessened frame deflection” by moving that crossbar further forward for better leverage, but I’d be curious how much of a difference it truly makes in practice.
It’d be an elaborate setup for testing but would be interesting. And of course you’re going to get different figures for any different car & chassis geometry
Sorry for the word salad just kinda typing stream of thought
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
The design is intentional and well thought out, as it relies on the strut towers and shock absorber covers. These are the strongest points in the upper part of the engine bay. Adjustable components allow for proper fitting in the highly imprecise construction of an old Mustang.
AFreePeacock@reddit
Makes total sense 👍
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Thx, all of our projects were properly design on CAD.
TheDunk67@reddit
Needs lock nuts, additional bold toward front of side plates, side plates should wrap over top of inner fender with another two bolts. Many already make these in fixed and adjustable, easy off the shelf item.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Such an assembly is intentional and was part of the design. We align with the strut tower and shock absorber covers, as these are the strongest elements of the engine bay. We are aware of other products, but we create our own.
TheDunk67@reddit
It's your car so whatever you prefer. I'm no engineer but this strikes me as an inferior design. Under hard use only two mounting bolts so far out on the plate from the bar may allow flex. No lock nuts I'd guess will eventually pull the threads out given the inevitable flex no matter how it's attached.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
We’re not guessing — we performed structural strength analyses, and according to our data, this design is correct. Of course, the complete installation of both braces is essential, as that provides the best overall effect
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Such an assembly is intentional and was part of the design. We align with the strut tower and shock absorber covers, as these are the strongest elements of the engine bay. We are aware of other products, but we create our own.
Barkalow@reddit
The post text reeks of AI, but it basically can't be avoided these days.
BongoTayla@reddit
Yep, why does a reddit post need to read like a fucking corporate ad
mailer__daemon@reddit
Because this is essentially an ad
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Nope, we'r just from Poland. Our English may sounds not so smooth
zeed88@reddit
How do you lock it into position?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
by lock nuts, it's visual mount only
zeed88@reddit
Oh, so a test fit
GR1ML0C51@reddit
I like the knurling and yellow cadmium plating.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
they do their job
dman928@reddit
What shape shower curtain rings go with that?
JCDU@reddit
I'd want to work out the overall structure & available space and see if there wasn't a more elegant way to stiffen the thing up. If I was being fancy I might 3D scan the engine bay so I could play around with ideas.
Braces with a bend or kink in them are way less rigid than a straight bar, so that kinda bothers me.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
There’s a difference between what is theoretically possible in a design and what actually makes sense in a real-world application. You also have to consider realistic affordability. We try to make high-quality products that are still reasonably attainable to buy.
JCDU@reddit
Well, you asked what I'd do...
jesusrambo@reddit
Or you could just use this bar which already exists and does exactly what you want
juwyro@reddit
Something that I've been wanting to do with my MGB is body bracing like this. The car doesn't even have strut towers.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
Definitely worth it
CodewortSchinken@reddit
Is there anything underneath tge sheet metal or is it just sitting against tge inner wheel housing?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
I don't fully understand, can You be more precise?
Threewisemonkey@reddit
My Monte Carlo could definitely use a lot of stiffening. That thing creaks and bends like a covered wagon.
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
try us!
Threewisemonkey@reddit
Well I need to do all the body mounts before I start going down this rabbit hole
MannyDantyla@reddit
This must be an old Mustang or Falcon, right?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
67 Fastback
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
67 Fastback always better
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
68 Fastback
DatS30@reddit
63 ranchero? Mustang 2 front end? 302 swap?
Restomotive@reddit (OP)
original 68' fastback, always better