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Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 12:34 am
by C 20 CCO
Hi all,

Happy new year to you all, just been reading original post while watching Madness bring in the new year 🧐

My question before I commit to buy..... the OMP brace; does it fowl any part of the running gear including the gearbox or drive shaft on passenger side when driving hard??
The original “K” shape brace has a bend in it to avoid touching other components. The OMP bar is straight, that’s why I need to ask.
Not expecting any replies soon as Hogmanay is in full swing.... que the fireworks...... again!
TTFN.

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:54 pm
by blakey
I fitted one to a friends Mk1 Golf Cabriolet (with DX injection engine) a few years ago, no issues with clearance on that.

The OMP is nice and simple, but I'm looking to purchase the one below for mine in the near future as it is closer in design to the original K bar, so possibly performs better....?

https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/mk1-golf-l ... 1885-p.asp

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:36 pm
by C 20 CCO
I saw a used one on eBay, I think it’s still listed but at £55.
I was toying with buying the eBay one but was wondering/unsettled about the drilling holes in the chassis. I know if I measure it properly it will bolt up ok, and as usual once the job is finished.... I ask myself; what was all the fuss about?

There is an original “K” brace in red on eBay which i’d really like but a tad expensive at £130. So now I’m thinking should I get the design your looking at? £35 is a good price and with the extra two bolt fixings in the chassis; could be a better modification than the omp version ....

Cheers for replying tho, given me food for thought.

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 12:05 pm
by C 20 CCO
If I decide to add a lower brace, will this add cost when I tell my insurance company i’ve Modified the suspension? Has anyone had their insurance premium go up... i’m With Lancaster and been with them years. I’m looking at this mod to help reduce stress on the body to avoid future problems with metal fatigue. Most later model have a subframe anyway......

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:51 am
by Mark H
Hi Dave

I have fitted OMP front lower, front upper and rear upper strut braces to my Rocco. No issues at all, the kit was for a VW Golf MK1, got the kit from a supplier near Todmorden (Via E Bay). If you need to look at the installation just let me know.

Mark

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:13 am
by BlackGTX
Flip painted ebay one is mine

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:35 pm
by C 20 CCO
I saw that classic vw had a lower brace for £35 brand new.... so bought it; picture below.
6FC9E2F7-7FC9-405C-BA09-C8DF140ACCCF.jpeg
I understand that I will need to drill two fixing holes in the chassis. I can’t seem to find any clear enough pictures of the finished installation. Is it just a matter of removing the front bolts, then fitting the brace. With the brace in place use a punch to mark the holes for drilling. I’m only speculating..... any info gratefully received before I start.

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 6:19 am
by BlackGTX
Thats tye size of it, the brace may tuck behind the chasis and bolt

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 12:18 pm
by scirocco_ne
Make sure you keep lubricated or treat the area you drill.

No strut brace is worth a new rust patch next winter :)

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 2:26 pm
by Mark H
Dave

I fitted the OMP lower strut brace, it picks up off the lower wishbone bolts (no drilling required)

Mark

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2019 8:10 pm
by C 20 CCO
Hi all, thanks for your replies much appreciated.
Mark, I was originally going to go for the imp version, but saw the “K” bar and liked the rigidity of the design. A tad expensive so I got the classic version. Again thanks a lot chaps, going to give it another coat of paint before I fit it.

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 11:55 pm
by C 20 CCO
BlackGTX wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:13 am Flip painted ebay one is mine
So how come you decided to take this lower brace off. Is there a performance issue??

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2019 8:03 am
by BlackGTX
No ive got a different one, single bar

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2019 10:39 am
by C 20 CCO
Ahhh, I was aiming for the bar originally, but went for a four point fixing for stability. To be honest, I’ve only added a brace to try and stop as much flexing to avoid the bulkhead cracking. No cracks yet but i’ve heard stories of cabrio’s and caddy’s having problems. Our cars have to be fit for the roads. Shame the roads are not fit for the cars.

Re: Lower strut brace fitting question part 2

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:27 pm
by C 20 CCO
Got some pics of the mounts...... kind of,space limitations due to using ramps.