Strut tower Brace

[dnudelman]

I've seen all the old threads. There doesn't seem to be an easy source for the strut brace bars. For those who have them on a first gen q45, are they worth it? Where can you get one now?
Thanks
David

[OwnerCS]

FSTBs do tighten the body and reduce flex. It is a subtle but noticeable change. I posted a wanted-to-buy note in the NICO classifieds. A guy in St. Louis was parting out his Q and notified me about selling his Stillen bar. It will take time to find -- but worth it if you like a tighter body feel.

[db_autotek]

I have the non-Stillen one by member Jeff Williams. He found a bar that almost fits, does some cutting and drilling so it lines up. I've had it on 3 Q's now lol. I bet he would still make one if you found him. It's not as cool as the Stillen, but does increase some confidence in corners, and I believe it was $45.

[goody90q45]

......Where can you get one now?......

Do you know anyone living close to Bellflower in Southern California? This CL listing has been posted on and off for a couple of months.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/pt ... 10115.html



Jeff Williams was the member making strut bars out of his garage. He bought a vette and lost interest in the Q45.

[dnudelman]

hmmm, that could be interesting

[Brew Q]

Get that one if you can... you'll be hard pressed to find another any time soon - think in terms of many months to a year and not weeks.

Jeff's modded FSTB was a maxima FSTB - search the old posts, but I believe a '00-whenever that body style ended (search to verify though). I think all that was required was redrilling the holes for the strut mount - not hard.

good luck!

[dnudelman]

Jeff's was a maxima bar, I obtained what I thought would work of ebay but no luck. the "maxima 00-03" bars offered today have a different bracket arrangement. I emailed Jim to see what brand/model bar he was using. We'll see if he replies.

[qsiguy]

I have the one I purchased from Jeff years ago that I removed. I added a plate between the body and the top of the shock/spring to raise the front a bit which shorted how much thread came through the top so my strut brace would no longer bolt on. I might be persuaded to sell it for $40. It's used but it good shape. I'd have to track it down in my black hole of a garage to have a look at it. Let me know if I should start digging...

[BCC93QT]

I bought a stillen front strut brace, 2 (TWO) rear stabilizer bar, and 2 caliper units from (Felton's Auto Parts USA-WA(Snohomish) E-mail 800-713-3999 / 360-563-9315.) I got them shipped (all 5 @ 3000+ miles) from WA - MA to my door for $200. I forgot the managers name and as I am not advertising for them but It was a grand experience. Shipped the same day I asked. All parts were not just cleaned but almost polished and packed well. Links and bolts were wire brushed and definately dipped as there was no rust whatsoever. ( car - part . com ) says they have a stillen bar advertised @ 85$. I bet you can get the strut brace & rear bar for 125-140$ shipped!? + any odds and ends you may need. Make sure you ask for the hats and mounts even though they may know already! Cheers from the Berkshires and let me know how it works out

[dnudelman]

BCC93QT,
Thats a great tip. They are about a 30 minute drive from me.
Thanks

[dnudelman]

Stillen brace arrived today. Looks solid.
Thanks for the tip

[goody90q45]

Which one did you buy?

[dnudelman]

I got the stillen brace from Feltons. The craigslist ad in LA is still available. The seller finally emailed me back yesterday. QSIGUY graciously offered his up for sale also.