Hi everyone, I'm still pretty new here but I have to say I'm pretty happy with the knowledge i've found here, so heres a real test for you all.

I plan to fab up my own strut bar this weekend, but before I do it I'm figuring out what materials i'll need. I'm looking at the dc sports one as a guide to how i want mine to end up but there is some info i can't find.

What diameter is the tube?
whats the thickness of the mounting plates?
whats the exact distance from the left front hole to the right front hole and left rear hole to the right rear hole? if someone has those numbers please be very specific, and I would perfer a picture, even just a quick one in paint so i'm on the same page.

Overall it looks like a really simple thing to make, and shouldn't take much time or materials to do.

thanks in advance!

 

You can make your own, however for the time it will take, the DC Sports strut bar was engineered for the cobalt. They are really pretty cheap too.

Otherwise 1" round tube, a laser to cut the 2 end plates, and a brake press to for the plate up, then have it welded, just make sure you place the bar in the right location as it hits the firewall if it is to far back.

 

I've seen some "custom made" strut bars... they look alright... but I like the way the DC sports one looks even better. And for the price it's hard to beat.

 

It really won't be all that hard. I have access to a plasma cutter, and i have a welder and a drill press along with a bunch of magnets and every other tool i could need. the reenforcement for the bar looks just like square tube cut at 2 angles, which with a plasma that is an easy cut to make.

Its not very complex at all, I just need some specs on it to make my life a little easier, I could just make it up as i go and i'm sure i'll be able to make it work, but i'd rather base it off a proven design.

 

Personally.. i wouldnt waste my time..

a strut bar is overrated IMO because if you actually "feel" a difference you have offically lost your mind.

Sway bars are MUCH more important.. as they actually have a physical effect on the suspension system. Strut bar is only making your already stiff chassis even stiffer.. i.e. point of diminishing returns.

 

I also made my own and have done a few for others. I used 1 1/14 stainless steel for the bar and 1/8 stainless plate 4 "wide which is what it takes to make the radious for the 2 front bolts. I also drilled holes for bolts instead of slots not only does it look better it is also stronger.

looks as good as any factory and is strong enough to drive my car up on.